Arizona State Football

Arizona State Football

Arizona State Football: A Historical Overview

From Humble Beginnings to National Prominence

Arizona State University's football program has a rich history dating back to 1896, making it one of the oldest in the country. In the early years, the team competed as an independent before joining the Border Conference in 1931. ASU achieved its first major success in 1951 when it won the Border Conference championship and advanced to the Salad Bowl.

The Sun Devils gained national prominence in the 1970s under head coach Frank Kush. Led by star quarterback Danny White, ASU won three consecutive Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championships from 1970 to 1972 and earned a Rose Bowl berth in 1975. White finished his college career as the NCAA's all-time leading passer and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

After Kush's departure in 1979, ASU experienced a period of decline. However, the program regained success in the 1990s under head coach Bruce Snyder. The Sun Devils won three consecutive Pac-10 Conference championships from 1996 to 1998 and earned a Fiesta Bowl berth in 1997.

Recent Success and Future Outlook

Arizona State football has continued to compete at a high level in the 21st century. The Sun Devils have won four Pac-12 South Division championships (2007, 2013, 2014, and 2018) and have appeared in seven bowl games since 2005.

Under current head coach Herm Edwards, ASU has shown promise in recent years. The Sun Devils won 10 games in 2019 and earned a Sun Bowl berth. In 2021, ASU finished 8-4 and upset Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Notable Players and Coaches

• Danny White: College Football Hall of Famer and NCAA's all-time leading passer
• John Jefferson: Wide receiver who played in the NFL for 13 seasons
• Pat Tillman: Safety who played in the NFL for seven seasons and was killed in action in Afghanistan
• Frank Kush: Head coach who led ASU to three WAC championships and a Rose Bowl berth
• Bruce Snyder: Head coach who led ASU to three Pac-10 Conference championships
• Herm Edwards: Current head coach who has led ASU to two bowl games

Arizona State Football: A Bright Future

With a rich history and a promising future, Arizona State football is poised for continued success. The Sun Devils have a strong tradition of developing NFL talent, and they have a passionate fan base that supports the team through thick and thin.

The future looks bright for Arizona State football. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Sun Devils are ready to compete for championships and make a name for themselves on the national stage.