Arizona State Football on the Rise with Kenny Dillingham and Dustin Pedroia’s Support
Arizona State University (ASU) is home to a diverse range of athletic programs, but for long-term success, certain sports require greater investment and attention. As the Sun Devils work toward building commercially viable programs, the focus is on execution and sustainable growth.
ASU’s Priority Sports for Success
In a recent YouTube discussion on D1Baseball, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini outlined the school’s strategy for strengthening its athletic programs. He identified seven sports—football, men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, volleyball, baseball, and softball—as key to driving revenue and securing the resources needed to support all 26 sports at the university.
Football, in particular, has made major strides. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils won the Big 12 Championship by defeating Iowa State. They earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff (CFP) but ultimately fell to Texas in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, their postseason run marked a significant milestone for a program with no prior CFP experience.
Rossini remains optimistic about ASU’s future, citing its location, resources, and access to key decision-makers as major advantages. “There’s never been a better time to be a power four athletic department at a research one university in a major metropolitan market,” he stated. With growing support and strategic investments, ASU aims to elevate its athletic programs further.
Dustin Pedroia’s Commitment to ASU
One of ASU’s most passionate supporters is baseball legend Dustin Pedroia. A proud Sun Devils alum, Pedroia has a history of selflessness when it comes to ASU athletics. During his college days, he voluntarily gave up 78% of his scholarship to help the baseball program, a move that then-head coach Pat Murphy called legendary.
Pedroia’s dedication to ASU sports has now extended to the football program. His involvement reflects a growing commitment from alumni to help elevate Sun Devils football into a national powerhouse.
Baseball analyst Mike Rooney highlighted the disparity in scholarship allocations during Pedroia’s time at ASU, noting that even backup football players were on full scholarships while Pedroia, one of the program’s best players, was paying his own way. However, Rossini emphasized that ASU’s mission goes beyond financial aid. “A scholarship is still intended to give a young person a chance to propel themselves in life after sport,” he explained, underscoring the university’s commitment to education.
A Bright Future for Sun Devils Football
With football gaining momentum and a championship culture beginning to take hold, ASU appears to be entering a new era. The combination of strong leadership from Dillingham, strategic investments in athletics, and passionate alumni support positions the Sun Devils for long-term success.
The foundation has been laid, and the program’s vision is clear. ASU football is on the rise, and with figures like Pedroia backing the team, the Sun Devils are just getting started.