After recording their largest shutout victory since 1997, the Texas A&M Aggies now turn their heads toward an integral non-conference contest against Arizona State in Week 2.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham and company handled their business in their respective season opener, dominating Morgan State, 70-7. With us just getting through one week of college football, there are many unknowns for both teams, especially how they will perform against higher levels of competition.
Dillingham doesn't get enough credit for revamping Arizona State into one of the nation's premier programs. They are just two years removed from reaching the College Football Playoff, in which they came within a play or two of knocking off the Texas Longhorns.
While there are some
new pieces on this year's team, including at the quarterback position, Dillingham's squad has a solid mix of electric playmakers who are looking to play spoiler.
Here is a full preview of what the Sun Devils bring to Kyle Field for a massive SEC versus Big 12 showdown in College Station:
Arizona State offense
Three players to watch
Tyson Brown (RB), Cutter Boley (QB) and Reed Harris (WR)
Tale of the tape: Arizona State's offense is extremely dangerous due to its unpredictability and wide variety of styles. It is a solid mix of West Coast and pro-style spread, typically tailored to the other team's defensive formation.
Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley has taken over Sam Leavitt's spot as the starter in Tempe, with many talented playmakers surrounding him, including electric running back Kyson Brown. The Lancaster, Texas, native's junior campaign was cut short in 2025 due to an injury suffered against Mississippi State, but he looks to be fully healthy and stronger this year, as he rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown in the season opener.
Meanwhile, 6-foot-5, 220-pound wideout Reed Harris hauled in six receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns in his debut with the Sun Devils. The Boston College transfer played quarterback in high school, but has transitioned into one of the most underrated wideouts in the Big 12.
Arizona State's potential weak spot is on the offensive line, where they gave up two sacks, including a forced fumble. That is an area that Texas A&M's veteran defensive linemen like Anto Saka and DJ Hicks could have an opportunity to expose on Saturday.
Arizona State defense
Three players to watch: Clayton Smith (R), Jalen Thompson (DE) and C.J. Fite (DT)
Tale of the tape: Fourth-year defensive coordinator Brian Ward runs a 4-2-5 defense at Arizona State, but this unit has a plethora of new pieces in 2026.
The strength of the defense is in the trenches, which was obvious by the tape from the season opener against Morgan State. Clayton Smith and Jalen Thompson looked particularly disruptive, combining for two sacks in the 70-7 win. Ward likes to draw up some exotic play calls that Texas A&M's offensive line must be prepared for, especially after showing some inconsistency against Missouri State.
Despite allowing just one touchdown, the Sun Devils allowed 188 total yards, 102 of which were on the ground, something quarterback Marcel Reed and running back Rueben Owens II could find success against in Week 2.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Arizona State: Everything to know about the Sun Devils
