About this episodeASU Football enters the 2026 season with Cutter Bully as the clear starting quarterback and a deep, committee-…AI summary
ASU Football enters the 2026 season with Cutter Bully as the clear starting quarterback and a deep, committee-based running back room, though offensive line injuries at tackle create early concerns. The defense remains strong with CJ Fight and Owen Long anchoring the front, but significant injuries to linebackers Zius Fiau and Mike Hill Gardner test the depth. Predictions point to a 7-5 finish driven by a brutal road schedule, with Owen Long and Martell Hughes identified as breakout stars.
Key takeaways 9
Quarterback: Cutter Bully has secured the QB1 role and shown improved downfield passing in practice, with a strong supporting cast including Mikey Keane, Jake Fetty, and Cam Dyer.
Running Backs: The position is transitioning to a committee approach rather than a single workhorse, with Kaisen Brown as the starter and contributors like Maris Gillis, Jason Brown, David Avoc, and freshman Carde Mack.
Wide Receivers: The group has significantly improved depth and talent through high-profile transfers (Marian Miller, Reed Harris, Raiden Vines) and strong play from Jaylen Moss and Jiren Hamilton.
Tight Ends: This is a concern area due to starter Kamari Anderson's injury; AJ is expected to take over but has struggled with drops and blocks in camp without Anderson.
Offensive Line: Concerns exist at tackle due to injuries; Luke Bachenko and Jaylen Clem are running with the first team, while Tana Ola Tupola anchors the interior at center.
Defensive Line: A major strength anchored by returning starter CJ Fight and new edge additions like Jaylen Thompson and Marian Winston; Clayton Smith may also see time at tight end.
Linebackers: A significant blow due to season-ending injuries to heart-and-soul players Zius Fiau and Mike Hill Gardner; starters Owen Long and Martell Hughes are highly regarded.
Secondary: Improved depth despite NFL departures; Rodney Bimige and Ashton Stamps are starting corners, while Josiah McGrath is emerging as a ball-hawking safety over incumbent Boogie Wilson.
Special Teams: Nick McClardy holds an edge over Canyon Floyd in the punting competition due to consistency and hang time; Carson Smith is the likely starting kicker.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“It's going to be Cutter Bully... worst kept secret. You You took the words right out of my mouth. You know, he's been QB1 from the start.”
▶ 1:20Confirmation that Cutter Bully has won the quarterback battle and will start the season opener against Morgan State.
“This could be a unique look uh to this run game... getting several running backs involved... you can pivot and you can use things to your strengths.”
▶ 2:43Explanation of why the committee approach at running back is strategically beneficial for ASU's offense.
“Owen Long is my team MVP... his football IQ and instincts... are off the charts. Some of the best I've ever seen.”
▶ 23:00Joe Healey's prediction for the most valuable player on the roster, highlighting Long's defensive impact.
“I think this road schedule's very tough... nine weeks in a row. That is a grueling slate with no by-week in there. I think that attrition ultimately knocks the Devils down a little bit to seven and five.”
▶ 23:23Brad Denny's reasoning for predicting a 7-5 record despite a talented roster, citing schedule difficulty.
“He's just really good at developing and taking taking time with his players... he coaches us like, you know, like we're really people.”
▶ 10:00Player feedback on Defensive Line Coach Reynolds' coaching style and development approach.
Chapters & Sections (11)▼
0:00ASU Football Offense Preview: Quarterback and Skill Positionschapter1
3:16ASU Wide Receiver Depth and Tight End Concerns
5:45ASU Offensive Line Concerns and Defensive Line Developmentchapter3
7:38Team Bonding and Player Development
9:23Defensive Line Development and Running Back Versatility
12:36Running Back Room Depth and Coaching
13:57ASU Football Defensive Line and Secondary Previewchapter4
16:25ASU Secondary Depth and Safety Analysis
18:05ASU Safety and Special Teams Preview
19:49ASU Football Key Players and Schedule Analysis
59m⏭ 1
25m
59m
22m
25m
28m
58m
29m⏭ 1
29m⏭ 1
24m⏭ 6
1h 1m
1h 0m
30m
30m
29m
1h 10m⏭ 5
53m⏭ 4
48m⏭ 2
1h 10m⏭ 2
1h 12m⏭ 2
1h 27m
1h 8m⏭ 4
24m
52m
1h 0m⏭ 1
33m
3h 59m⏭ 5
46m
3h 54m⏭ 7
54m⏭ 1
1h 13m
54m⏭ 2
1h 26m
45m⏭ 2
9h 11m
58m⏭ 5