Five questions ahead of Arizona State's opener against Morgan State

The crowds will fill Mountain America Stadium on Saturday night for the first time in 2026. Ahead of Arizona State football’s game against Morgan State, the team will need to answer five questions.

1. How much depth will the team show?

The Sun Devils’ coaching staff has praised the team’s depth all offseason long. Historically, Morgan State is a weaker FCS school, which will likely allow Arizona State to show its depth in a game that could be a blowout.

2. What will the running back pecking order look like?

The running back room is the biggest unknown heading into the season, with a lot of players mixing with each group of the depth chart in fall camp. Senior Kyson Brown appears to be the front man. 

3. Which offensive transfers will shine? 

Across the 14 listed offensive positions, eight of those were brought in from the offseason via the transfer portal. Among those are junior quarterback Cutter Boley, sixth-year running back Marquis Gillis, and a trio of wide receivers: senior Reed Harris, senior Omarion Miller and sophomore Raiden Vines-Bright.

4. Which defensive transfers will shine? 

Defensively, Arizona State brought in five players across its 13 starters. Those five are likely key playmakers such as junior linebacker Owen Long, senior defensive lineman Jalen Thompson, senior cornerback Ashton Stamps, sixth-year safety Lyrik Rawls and sophomore defensive back Jessiah McGrew

5. How will the special teams perform?

The Sun Devils' special teams struggled last season. It is the first full season under special teams coordinator Jack Nudo, who took over midseason after the departure of Charlie Ragle. The Sun Devils brought in a new kicker in sixth-year Carson Smith and a new punter in senior Nick McLarty.