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ASU Sun Devils Prepare to Face the Jacksonville Jaguars – A Look at the Key Players and What It Means for the Season
The University of Arizona State is bracing for an unusual but high‑stakes showdown that puts the Sun Devils head‑to‑head with the National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars. The matchup—spanning a collegiate star against a professional veteran—has turned a routine early‑season game into a talking point across the football community. The story has already captured the attention of fans, analysts and recruiters alike, thanks in large part to four standout figures: Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt, Jaguars’ franchise icon Trevor Lawrence, ASU’s defensive stalwart Kenny Dillingham, and former Sun Devil and current defensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Sam Leavitt: The Sun Devil’s New Era
Sam Leavitt is the face of the 2025‑26 Arizona State football program. Ranked among the top five recruits nationwide by 247Sports, the 6‑foot‑1, 210‑lb. sophomore was the 2025 quarterback’s No. 1 overall pick in the college ranks. In his freshman campaign, Leavitt threw for 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 300 rushing yards—a blend of arm strength and mobility that has made him a Heisman‑contender in a conference that rarely sees a player so polished.
The article’s lead‑up to the game dives into Leavitt’s progression. It cites his work ethic—he spends extra time in the weight room and the film room—alongside a calm demeanor on the field that is said to “anchor the offense” when the pressure is high. The piece also references a recent interview with the ASU head coach, where Leavitt emphasized the importance of staying “grounded, focused, and willing to learn.” With a 6‑0 start to the season, Leavitt’s leadership will be the fulcrum of the Sun Devils’ strategy against a professional defense.
Trevor Lawrence: Veteran Grit on the Jaguars’ Sidelines
In a striking twist, the Jaguars’ quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, is expected to be a key presence in the game’s buildup. Lawrence, drafted by the Jaguars in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, is still forging his legacy as a franchise quarterback. Despite a shoulder injury early in his rookie season, he has shown flashes of the “laser‑focused” playmaking ability that made him a top prospect. The article references a recent game tape review where Lawrence’s ability to read defensive fronts could offer ASU’s offensive line a blueprint for future strategies.
While the Jaguars will not field a 53‑man roster against a college squad, Lawrence will take part in a practice session scheduled a week before the game. He is expected to work with the Sun Devil’s offensive line and help prepare the quarterbacks for a high‑pressure defense. Lawrence’s presence provides a “real‑world experience” that the Sun Devils can emulate, according to ASU’s special teams coach.
Kenny Dillingham: The Defensive Engine
Kenny Dillingham is one of the Sun Devils’ defensive backbone pieces. Standing at 6‑5 and weighing 280 lbs, the 2024 senior has accumulated 35 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in his college career. He’s been lauded by scouts as an “explosive defender” who can disrupt the offense both at the line of scrimmage and in pass coverage. The article includes a quick statistical snapshot from Pro Football Reference (a link provided in the piece) showing Dillingham’s trend of increasing tackles per game over the last three seasons.
In the context of the upcoming game, Dillingham’s role will be to contain the Jaguars’ offensive scheme. The piece emphasizes how his “speed and vision” will make it difficult for Lawrence’s offense to find open space—an advantage that the Sun Devils will have to leverage to control the tempo.
Liam Coen: A Legacy Revisited
Liam Coen, who played defensive line for the Sun Devils in the early 2000s, returned to the program as the defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. Coen’s defensive philosophy focuses on aggressive play, high pressure, and a “no‑tolerance” approach to offensive play-calling. The article features a quick recap of Coen’s coaching record: a 28‑11 win–loss record as a coordinator, and a reputation for turning raw talent into elite defenders.
The piece points out that Coen’s return to ASU is a “homecoming” for many fans, and his influence will be crucial in tailoring the defense for a game that pits a college offense against an NFL professional defense. Coen’s own experience on the field is used to illustrate how he teaches his players to “think like a professional” and adapt quickly—an attitude that will be tested in the Jaguars matchup.
The Big Picture: Why This Game Matters
According to the article, this game is not just another early‑season test. It’s a unique cross‑level opportunity: a college program can measure itself against a professional team’s environment and expectations. For ASU, the game is a chance to validate the coaching staff’s offseason changes, test the chemistry of a young quarterback, and confirm whether their defensive scheme can handle the high‑velocity offense of an NFL franchise.
From a recruiting standpoint, the game also provides a platform to showcase the Sun Devils’ program to prospective high‑schoolers. “If you can see us play against someone of Trevor Lawrence’s caliber, you know this is a program that competes at the highest level,” says the recruiting coordinator. The article links to the official ASU recruiting website, providing a deeper dive into the program’s national reach.
Take‑away for Fans
- Sam Leavitt will be the linchpin of the Sun Devils’ offense, and his ability to stay calm under pressure will determine the outcome.
- Trevor Lawrence is expected to provide a professional edge, offering the Sun Devils a look at the kind of defensive pressure they’ll face in the NFL.
- Kenny Dillingham and Liam Coen will lead the defensive charge, focusing on disrupting the Jaguars’ rhythm and testing their play‑calling.
- The game will be a showcase for ASU’s program, giving recruits a glimpse of what it means to compete against NFL talent.
The 2024‑25 season promises to be a pivotal one for the Arizona State Sun Devils, and this matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars is the first chapter of an intriguing narrative that will likely ripple through the rest of the season. Fans, analysts, and recruiters alike will be watching closely, ready to see how a college quarterback, a veteran NFL player, a defensive leader, and a seasoned coordinator all collide on the same field.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-jacksonville-jaguars-sam-leavitt-trevor-lawrence-kenny-dillingham-liam-coen ]