Top Sun Devil Potential Fits for the Los Angeles Rams

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 15:51 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Arizona State’s Sun Devils Gear Up for an Unusual Showdown Against the Los Angeles Rams

In a rare crossover between college football and the NFL, the Arizona State Sun Devils have announced a preseason exhibition against the Los Angeles Rams. The matchup—scheduled for the first week of September—promises to be a high‑stakes showcase for both programs. The Suns will host the Rams on the Rams’ own turf in Los Angeles, giving the Sun Devils a unique opportunity to play the likes of former Detroit Lions and Alabama standout Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ star quarterback who recently inked a new contract with the franchise.

The article on SI.com frames the game as more than a simple exhibition; it is a potential “training ground” for the Rams and a “testing arena” for the Sun Devils. Stafford, a 5‑time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most consistent passing threats, has been the focal point of the Rams’ offensive rebuild this offseason. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, are looking to demonstrate their defensive toughness and to give fresh‑blood players a taste of NFL‑level competition.

A Star‑Studded Rams Lineup

Stafford is expected to line up against a Sun Devil defense that has struggled against elite passers in recent weeks. In his first full season with the Rams, Stafford threw for 4,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also led the Rams to a playoff berth, ending the team’s 12‑year drought. The article notes that Rams coach Sean McVay will likely lean heavily on Stafford’s ability to extend plays and read defenders, which could pose a nightmare for Arizona State’s front line.

In addition to Stafford, the Rams’ roster features tight end George Kittle and rookie receiver Brandon Wright—both of whom have already shown flashes of explosive playmaking. The Rams’ offensive line, which has been ranked 20th in the league this season, is expected to provide Stafford with ample protection. For the Sun Devils, any misstep on the offensive line could translate into a big play for the Rams.

Sun Devils Defensive Powerhouse

Arizona State’s defensive unit is being highlighted by the presence of senior defensive tackle Sam Leavitt. Leavitt, who has been a stalwart of the Sun Devils’ defensive line since his freshman year, is expected to bring his pass‑rushing prowess to bear against the Rams’ backfield. Leavitt’s statistics are impressive: 8 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over his four‑year college career, making him a key factor in any defensive effort.

“Sam’s speed and aggressiveness off the line of scrimmage are exactly what we need to disrupt a quarterback like Stafford,” says head coach Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham, who is in his second year at the helm, has been building a culture of discipline and intensity. He points out that the Sun Devils will use the Rams game to test their defensive schemes against a high‑powered offense, while also evaluating how their special teams can perform under pressure.

Emerging Talent: Jordyn Tyson

The article also spotlights a new face on the Sun Devils roster: freshman wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson, a 4‑star recruit from Tucson’s Marana High School, boasts a 110‑yard season in high school with 8 touchdowns. Although he is new to the college level, Tyson has shown a natural ability to find space and create separation from defenders. Dillingham believes Tyson could become a “big play” weapon against an NFL backfield, especially given the Rams’ strong pass rush.

“Tyson’s route‑running is precise and his hands are strong,” says offensive coordinator Mike Pettis. “Against a team that rushes like the Rams, he will have plenty of opportunities to make big plays.”

Why This Game Matters

The SI.com piece points out that the Rams game will be closely watched by NFL scouts. The Rams will have the chance to evaluate the Sun Devils’ players in a real‑time, high‑pressure environment. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s coaches are eager to expose their talent to professional eyes and to test the effectiveness of their strategies in a situation that feels “almost as real as a conference game.” Dillingham stresses that the experience will be invaluable for players like Leavitt, who may be hoping to earn a spot on the Rams’ depth chart, and for Tyson, who is looking to prove that his high school numbers are a reliable indicator of college success.

The article concludes by noting that the game will also help the Sun Devils build a broader fan base. With the Rams drawing a large television audience, the Sun Devils could leverage the exposure to boost ticket sales and attract future recruits.

Key Takeaways

• The game pits the Sun Devils against the Rams, featuring the Rams’ star quarterback Matthew Stafford.
• Defensive tackle Sam Leavitt is expected to be the Sun Devils’ best line‑backer against the Rams.
• Freshman wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is seen as a promising “big play” option for the Sun Devils.
• Head coach Kenny Dillingham is eager to use the game to showcase his team to NFL scouts and to test his strategies under pressure.
• The match is an opportunity for both programs to learn from each other in an unconventional setting.

In sum, the Arizona State vs. Los Angeles Rams game offers a rare chance for college athletes to play against seasoned NFL talent while giving the Rams a chance to fine‑tune their offense in a real‑time, live‑game environment. As the Sun Devils prepare for the showdown, fans and scouts alike will be watching to see whether the Suns can rise to the challenge of an NFL powerhouse.