Newcomers embrace fresh opportunities at Arizona State

For some Valley natives, suiting up for ASU represents a full-circle moment in their football journey

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Several newcomers to the Arizona State football team, including quarterback Mikey Keene, wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright, and tight end AJ Ia, are embracing fresh opportunities this spring. The players, who are in different stages of their careers, see the upcoming season as a chance to define their next steps and build upon their past experiences, rather than erase them.

Why it matters

The influx of new players, some of whom are returning to their hometown, reflects the broader changes and opportunities within the Arizona State football program. The team is not in a rebuilding phase, but rather a window of opportunity for players to compete and contribute in new ways.

The details

Mikey Keene, a fifth-year senior quarterback, has traveled a long path to get to Arizona State, including stops at UCF, Fresno State, and Michigan. He sees this as a "full-circle moment" to play in his hometown. Raiden Vines-Bright, a sophomore wide receiver, returned to Tempe after a season at Washington, feeling "happier" and "more positive" to be back home. Incoming freshman quarterback Jake Fette, a highly touted recruit, has embraced his role as a learner, eager to absorb the system and compete. Sophomore tight end AJ Ia is looking to build on the "learning experience" of his freshman year, crediting the coaching staff for helping him develop his game.

  • Mikey Keene had his most productive season in 2023 at Fresno State, throwing for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns.
  • Last year at Michigan, Keene was sidelined for most of the season due to a lingering upper-body injury.

The players

Mikey Keene

A fifth-year red-shirted senior quarterback who has traveled a long and winding path in the world of college football, including stops at UCF, Fresno State, and Michigan, before returning to his hometown of Tempe to play for Arizona State.

Raiden Vines-Bright

A sophomore wide receiver who returned to Arizona State after a season at Washington, where he served as the Huskies' primary slot receiver and finished his freshman year with 24 catches for 238 yards and a touchdown.

Jake Fette

An incoming true freshman quarterback who was one of the most highly regarded quarterback signees in Arizona State's program history, arriving as a four-star recruit, Elite 11 finalist, and one of the top quarterbacks nationally.

AJ Ia

A sophomore tight end who caught sparingly as a freshman, recording a single reception for ten yards, but has gained valuable perspective and is looking to build on the "learning experience" of his first year.

Jalen Moss

A senior wide receiver who is a former teammate of Mikey Keene at Fresno State, and has reunited with him at Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“Coming back is a full-circle moment. Seventeen years of life here. Born and raised. I don't take that lightly. My parents are still here, same house. Just trying to take advantage of every single day I have here, getting another year back. Definitely different, but just trying to be the best player and best person I can be for this team, to win a championship and have a special year.”

— Mikey Keene, Quarterback (on3.com)

“Being home just feels different. I feel happier. I feel more positive. Being around people I've known since middle school changes things. Coming to all the games growing up, now I get to play here, wearing this uniform. That feeling played a major role in my decision to come back.”

— Raiden Vines-Bright, Wide Receiver (on3.com)

“I'm really young. There's a lot I can learn from the guys in this room. Mikey, he's been around a lot of ball. Cam, who's been here a year, Cutter—there's a lot of good dudes in this room, and that competitiveness is exciting. We all could play, and it's fun to be around that level of competition.”

— Jake Fette, Quarterback (on3.com)

“Last year was a learning experience. Just building bonds, learning the offense, learning my teammates. Coming in early and having time with them, I feel more confident now. I have an idea of what I'm doing, which helps a lot.”

— AJ Ia, Tight End (on3.com)

“Picking up right where we left off. He's grown and developed a whole bunch. He was my favorite target at Fresno. Excited to get back in chemistry with him and see what he's got to do this year.”

— Mikey Keene, Quarterback (on3.com)

The takeaway

The influx of new players, some of whom are returning to their hometown, reflects the broader changes and opportunities within the Arizona State football program. These players, in different stages of their careers, are embracing the chance to define their next steps and build upon their past experiences, rather than erase them, as they compete for roles and aim to help the team succeed.