TEMPE — The 2026 Arizona State Sun Devils are heading into a new era under head coach Kenny Dillingham, as numerous key contributors behind the 2024-25 run are now off to chase professional dreams.
The running back position is one that must be reinvented under the leadership of eighth-year position coach Shaun Aguano, who built the current room in ways that mirror what has previously been successful in Tempe.
Verstaility of Room Mirrors Previous Groups
The clearest comparison between what will be seen this season and in previous teams is the Demario Richard/Kalen Ballage duo from roughly a decade ago – except the room in 2026 is much deeper.
Marquis Gillis and David Avit have the ability to be lighning within the offense, but both will more likely be utilized in “thunder” roles – or in short-yardage situations. Demarius “Man Man” Robinson and Jason Brown Jr. are smaller backs that could very well be utilized akin to program legend D.J. Foster.
Kyson Brown and Cardae Mack are a combination of both sides of the spectrum – which truly brings the idea that multiple previous rooms are being combined into one in this singular campaign.
Versatility Will Play Into Committee Approach, Raise Ceiling of Offense
Aguano has spent years playing into the notion that Arizona State backfields would be looked at with a “committee” approach, although that plan gets thwarted every single year when a superstar talent breaks out and becomes a workhorse…