"Throw some tortillas": everything Kenny Dillingham said at Big 12 media days

The first day of the Big 12's Football Media Days kicked off today. Commissioner Brett Yormark welcomed members of the media from all 16 member schools, as well as national media, before making coaches and players for half the conference available.

As was the case last year, Arizona State was present for the first day, which meant plenty of Kenny Dillingham availability.

After last year's mildly disappointing 8-5 finish, Dillingham brings a largely revamped roster into 2026, whether it's brand new players via the transfer portal or players that are stepping into a starting role after several years of development in the building.

Coaching continuity

The first thing Dillingham touched on in his initial press conference was the continuity of his coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo and defensive coordinator Brian Ward remain in place for their third and fourth years with the program, respectively. So, too, do the on-field assistant coaches underneath both coordinators.

The closest thing to coaching staff turnover this offseason was the elevation of Jack Nudo to the full time special teams coordinator role. Nudo took over on an interim basis during last season, though he had already been serving as the assistant special teams coordinator to Charlie Ragle, who departed the program for health reasons.

Dillingham spoke glowingly of this continuity and how much more efficient it makes the rest of the program.

The next draft picks

That's trickled down to the players as well. Arizona State saw two players - Jordyn Tyson and Max Iheanachor - get drafted in the first round earlier this year, breaking a very long drought for the program.

Dillingham doesn't think it's a fluke, either. He believes his current roster has a long list of players who will be drafted when their time comes, regardless of round. The list is so long that Dillingham said it would take too long to list everyone out, but he clearly believes the Sun Devils have plenty of NFL players on their roster right now.

Later on, Dillingham specifically singled out defensive tackle CJ Fite as someone who should be a first round pick if he keeps doing the right things. Dillingham also said transfer receivers Omarion Miller and Reed Harris both have first round talent, but it's a matter of seeing how they adjust to their new program.

Quarterback battle

The departure of Sam Leavitt has resulted in an open quarterback competition between two transfers. Cutter Boley is the big name, coming in after two years as a starter at Kentucky, but local product Mikey Keene is giving some serious competition.

Dillingham declined to name a starter today, and said that neither player has cemented themselves as the guy just yet. The head coach isn't in a rush to make a decision, but he did note that he recruited Boley out of high school (Dillingham was at Oregon then) and always loved his arm strength and underrated athleticism.

Administrative support

Dillingham took some time to heap praise on athletics director Graham Rossini, who was also in attendance on Tuesday, along with the rest of the Arizona State athletics department.

He described what he's seen as "unbelievable growth" relative to where the university was at when he was first hired, though Dillingham noted that he will always be asking for more from Rossini. In his eyes, the moment he stops asking for more - not just from Rossini, but from his coaches and players and even the fans - that's the moment he's become complacent.

Of course, resources were a big sticking point during Dillingham's contract negotiations last December. Arizona State was able to pony up a considerable increase in salary, money for assistant coaches, and NIL. Additionally, they're building a brand new indoor practice facility right next to Mountain America Stadium.

The investment in football has never been greater for Arizona State, and Dillingham made sure everyone knows he appreciates it. But there is still work to be done before they reach their ultimate goal.

"Throw some tortillas"

Dillingham was also his usual jokester self, leaving media members with plenty of classic soundbites.

When discussing the challenge of having to play Texas Tech on the road, Dillingham joked that any Sun Devil fans who plan to attend should throw a tortilla onto the field if Arizona State ever finds themselves in a third-and-long.

Tortilla throwing, a Texas Tech tradition, was controversially banned by the Big 12 not long ago. It also carries with it a 15-yard penalty for the Red Raiders, which is why Dillingham wouldn't mind that happening during their game.

During the opening press conferene, running back Kyson Brown - nicknamed Sipp - grabbed a microphone to ask his coach which player he's ready to lose to next in EA Sports' College Football 27 video game. Dillingham responded by calling out his player: "I played a guy who goes by the name Sipp, and I beat him by 40."

Later on, Brown admitted to reporters that Dillingham did, in fact, beat him by 40. However, Brown added that he always beats Dillingham in the video game and that his coach merely caught him on an off day.