Can Arizona State football contend in the Pac-12 in 2022?

Arizona State football is a measly 25-18 with just a single bowl victory under fifth-year head coach Herm Edwards. But could things turn around in 2022?

When former NFL coach and ESPN analyst, Herm Edwards, took on the head-coaching job at Arizona State back in 2017, expectations were sky high straight from the get-go. Not only had he spent the previous nine years as an NFL analyst but he was also a well-respected coach in the league for eight years with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.

Regarded as a dynamic and tireless recruiter who was seemingly committed to developing young talent and reinventing a dying program that hadn’t won a division title since 2013. It was easy for both fans and casual spectators to get behind Edwards at the time. However, less than five years later, the outlook for Herm and Arizona State football has changed dramatically.

Following a gradual three-year ascent, the program was under fire last summer when the NCAA investigated alleged recruiting violations that surfaced in June 2021. As a result of having to play the season under a dark, looming cloud, the program finished with an underwhelming 8-5 record.

To make matters worse, half of their entire coaching staff either resigned or got fired in the months that followed. While a whopping 17 players entered the transfer portal opting to take their talents elsewhere. Including former four-star recruits like wide receiver Lonyatta Alexander, linebacker Eric Gentry, defensive lineman Jermayne Lole, and quarterback Jayden Daniels.

As a result, the Sun Devils look much different as we approach the 2022 college football regular season. This means that if ASU hopes to have any success, they’re going to need some major contributions from the players remaining, those who transferred in, and their half-rebuilt coaching staff.

Without further ado, here’s a full preview looking at the offense, defense, and schedule for Arizona State football in 2022.