With just one game left on the calendar, Arizona State is set to close out its 2025 season in the Sun Bowl against ACC champion Duke-a rematch of their 2014 showdown, which the Sun Devils took home. But nearly everything about college football has evolved since that last meeting, and nowhere is that more evident than in the roster Arizona State will field in El Paso.
In total, the Sun Devils will be without 35 players due to a mix of injuries and opt-outs-an eye-popping number that speaks to the modern era of bowl season, where NFL dreams, transfer plans, and long-term health take precedence over one final game.
Let’s break down who’s out and what it means for Arizona State heading into this high-profile matchup.
Injury Report: Key Starters and Depth Pieces Sidelined
Out with Injuries:
- QB Sam Leavitt
- RB Kyson Brown
- RB Kanye Udoh*
- WR Plas Johnson
- WR Noble Johnson*
- WR Harry Hassmann*
- WR Uriah Neloms*
- WR Chance Ables*
- OL Ben Coleman
- OL Doughlass Teloma*
- OL Brent Helton*
- DT Zac Swanson
- DT MyKeil Gardner
- DT Daeshon Morgan*
- DE Josh Shanklin*
- LB Zyrus Fiaseu
- S Adrian Wilson
- S Xavion Alford
- CB Rodney Bimage
(*Undisclosed injuries)
The headline here is quarterback Sam Leavitt, who remains sidelined with the injury that ended his season prematurely. While he hasn’t formally entered the transfer portal, the signs are hard to ignore-especially after he skipped the team banquet earlier this month. Whether it’s recovery or future plans keeping him out, Leavitt’s absence leaves a major void under center.
The backfield also takes a hit with Kyson Brown and Kanye Udoh both ruled out. These were two players who came into the year with breakout potential, but injuries derailed their momentum. While there's speculation about Udoh’s future, no official decisions have been made.
Wide receiver depth is also thin-Plas Johnson is out, and four other receivers are sidelined with undisclosed injuries. That’s a lot of lost production and chemistry for whoever lines up at quarterback.
In the trenches, Ben Coleman is a big loss on the offensive line, and on defense, Arizona State is without multiple interior linemen and a starting linebacker in Zyrus Fiaseu. The secondary is also depleted, with starting safety Adrian Wilson, Xavion Alford, and Rodney Bimage all unavailable.
Opt-Outs: NFL Dreams and Transfer Portal Moves
Opting Out:
- RB Raleek Brown
- WR Jordyn Tyson
- WR Zechariah Sample*
- TE Chamon Metayer
- TE Coleson Arends*
- TE Jayden Fortier*
- OL Max Iheanachor
- OL Josh Atkins*
- OL Sean Na’a*
- DE Clayton Smith
- LB Keyshaun Elliott
- LB Tate Romney*
- CB Javan Robinson*
- CB Keith Abney
- CB Chris Johnson*
- CB Joseph McGinnis*
(*Expected to enter transfer portal)
Three of the team’s most productive weapons-Raleek Brown, Jordyn Tyson, and Chamon Metayer-are heading to the NFL and have opted out to focus on draft prep. That trio alone accounted for nearly half (49.8%) of Arizona State’s total offensive yardage this season. That’s not just a hole-it’s a crater.
Their absence puts a heavy burden on quarterback Jeff Sims and the rest of the offense to find answers quickly. Expect a lot of unfamiliar names to get significant reps, and with that, some unpredictability-both good and bad.
The offensive line is also in flux. Both starting tackles-Max Iheanachor and Josh Atkins-are out.
Iheanachor is eyeing the draft, while Atkins is among several players reportedly entering the transfer portal. That leaves Arizona State scrambling to patch together protection against a Duke defense that thrives on pressure.
Defensively, the Sun Devils will be without Clayton Smith on the edge and Keyshaun Elliott at linebacker, while the secondary is especially thin. All four starting cornerbacks-Keith Abney, Javan Robinson, Chris Johnson, and Joseph McGinnis-are out. That’s a nightmare scenario against a Duke team that can stretch the field vertically.
What It All Means
Arizona State is walking into the Sun Bowl with a skeleton crew. Between injuries, opt-outs, and portal entries, this is a team that will look drastically different from the one that started the season. There’s no sugarcoating it-this is a massive personnel challenge.
But bowl games in today’s college football landscape are often less about the final score and more about opportunity. For young players, it’s a chance to get real reps under the bright lights.
For coaches, it’s a live evaluation heading into the offseason. And for fans, it’s a glimpse into the future.
Arizona State may be short-handed, but that doesn’t mean they’re without intrigue. The next wave of Sun Devils is about to get their shot. Whether they sink or swim against a talented Duke squad, we’re about to find out just how deep this program runs.