Speak Of The Devils

"A Tongan that goes crazy every play." It's hard to top Jacob Rich Kongaika's self-description, but you should also add "multiplier." After crossing rivalry lines by transferring from Arizona to ASU last year, Kongaika quickly became a key contributor at defensive tackle, as well as a loud and jovial voice in the locker room for the Sun Devils. He's back in 2025 to provide more big hits, big laughs, and some big songs. On this episode we discuss crossing Territorial Cup lines, his football journey, planting the pitchfork in Tucson, his love of singing, the impact of the Poly pipeline and much more.

Games—and championships—are won in the trenches. For the Sun Devils, the offensive line took significant steps forward last year, paving the way to Cam Skattebo's run to history and the passing game's breakout. With four starters back in 2025, plus a host of talented younger linemen and newcomers, position coach Saga Tuitele is primed to field another formidable unit. On this episode, we breakdown the makeup of the O-line, the battles to watch in fall camp, lessons from the title run, the value of culture and leadership, and more.

FOOTBALL IS BACK. The Sun Devils are hitting the field for fall camp. We dive into each of the position groups to highlight the key battles, pressing questions, and breakout candidates. We also talk with new 2026 ASU TE commit Landon Miree on why he chose the Sun Devils (51:30).

Cheers isn't the only place where everyone knows your name. Arizona State's defensive line room returns nearly the entire 3-deep from last year's Big 12-winning run. Plus, they've added a few talented new pieces. This all sets up quite well for position coach Diron Reynolds, who's entering his second year leading the line. On this episode, Coach Reynolds gives a detailed breakdown of this players, the keys to improving the pass rush, the value of such a veteran room, Kenny Dillingham's approach to spelling, and more.

Cam Skattebo leaves a major void in Tempe. There's no question about that. But if there's one coach who's earned the fan's confidence to field a productive backfield, it's Shaun Aguano. Entering his seventh season on the Sun Devil staff, Aguano has consistently mentored standout running backs. And even without the record-setting Skatt, the talented group of ASU backs under his tutelage figure to post big problems for Big 12 defenses this fall. On this episode, we take an in-depth look at his players, his growth as a coach, activating the Valley, Golden Tickets and Arizona recruiting, and much more.

Fall camp is almost here, folks. We dive into the current state of the roster and rank the Sun Devils' position groups in terms of our pre-camp confidence levels.

The old saying goes that offense gets the glory, but defense wins championships. If that holds true, Arizona State is in great shape. The Sun Devil defense was a strong force in 2024, consistently stepping up in the big moments, and with most of the key players returning, defensive coordinator Brian Ward is feeling pretty good heading into his third season at the helm. On this episode, Brian gives us a detailed breakdown of the position groups, a look at his defensive philosophies, discusses the impact of a player-led culture, the challenges of defending Sam Leavitt, his appearance in the new EA Sports video game, and much more.

Twenty-five years go by fast, and over that time, we've seen many outstanding Sun Devils take the field. Who is the best of the best? We unveil our All-Quarter Century Team for Arizona State football.

Skat's gone. What're they going to do without Skat? ASU will take a step back without Skat. The national narrative is out there, and the pundits have been doubling down on it all offseason long. We get it. What Cam Skattebo did in Tempe will never be forgotten. But what those around the nation may not realize is that the backfield cupboard is anything but bare. Kyson Brown was the Sun Devils' second back last year, and flashed his vast potential, highlighted by a 100-yard game against Arizona. This spring, the rising junior made a strong case to be the lead back for ASU, showing good power to go with his track speed. He leads a deep backfield that looks to keep the Devils' offense in high gear in 2025. On this episode, we discuss his growth heading into Year 3, the depth of the backfield, Shaun Aguano's influence, the meaning of his new number, and more.

The college game has changed drastically in recent years, and the recent settlement of the House case only brings greater shifts. To get clarity on what's happened, what's about to happen, and what may soon happen, NIL agent Peter Boyle of Activate Sports Management joined us in studio for a detailed and thorough breakdown of the landscape post-House.

In recent years, women's basketball has surged in popularity. Meanwhile, the Sun Devil women's basketball program has had some rough seasons. But a new era is here in Tempe, one defined by effort, chemistry, and defense. The daughter of a defensive-minded coach, Molly Miller was a standout college player before entering coaching, where she has had wildly successful tenures, first at her alma mater Drury before leading Grand Canyon University to the NCAA Tournament. Molly is now a Sun Devil, and her first few months at the helm have already begun generating a buzz in the desert. On this episode, Molly and I discuss the origins of her devotion to defense, the pillars of a successful culture, her staff, the 2025-26 roster, her go-to move on the drive, and much more.

For Jason Mohns, the Sun Devils' Playoff run of 2024 was extra gratifying. Sure, his tight ends produced an All-Big 12 selection and were an integral part of the offense's success. But beyond that, Mohns—an ASU grad, a son of a former ASU coach, and Valley high school coaching legend—was a key part of the group that finally activated the Valley. With a deep group of tight ends in his room, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting follow-up.  On this episode, Jason and I discuss reigniting Sun Devil Nation, the good reason why spelling doesn't matter as much as it did, the 2025 tight ends, strengthening local recruiting relationships, and more.

In the heat of the summer, hot takes roam free. So let's cut through the noise and find out which actually matter. Joined by Ralph Amsden, we discuss the varying national and local narratives surrounding the Sun Devils and parse out which have merit. Plus, we get to know 2026 wide receiver commit Cooper Reid (1:22:00).

If recruiting is the lifeblood of a program, Texas may be beating the heart of the Sun Devils' rise. One of the key architects of this success is Bryan Carrington, an ace recruiter who is also overseeing an ascendent group of Sun Devil cornerbacks. With a talented group of corners on the field, and the makings of a terrific 2026 recruiting class off it, Carrington is one of the most impactful members of Kenny Dillingham's staff. On this episode, Bryan and I discuss the lessons from the title run, a rundown of the 2025 corners, the state of the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline, roster retention, and more.

Sometimes, home is where you need to be. After beginning his college career with two seasons at Texas, former Brophy Prep star Zac Swanson returned back to the Valley and transferred to Arizona State. He soon had his love of the game reignited and became a key part of ASU's defensive line as the Sun Devils made their march to the Big 12 crown. He'll once again be a critical part of the Devils' defense in the trenches in 2025. On this episode, Zac and I discuss his year back in the Valley, how he made the switch from futbol to football, his growth in the trenches, the program culture, the power of a pita, and much more

Welcome back to the postseason, Sparky! Despite a late-season slide, Arizona State baseball is heading to a NCAA Regional for the first time since 2021. Joined by Jack Loder, we discuss the journey back to the postseason and preview the action in Los Angeles (32:48). We also get to know two recent Sun Devil commits: 2026 linebacker Mason Marden (4:35) and wide receiver transfer Akim Lanieux (54:34).

The regular season ended with a thud. Can the Devils rally? After a look at the recent football commits, we dive into the situation with Willie Bloomquist's baseball team. Joined by guest Jack Loder, we examine the state of the team as they aim to end the program's postseason drought.

The Werewolves are on the prowl in Tempe. Arizona State's linebackers were one of the key reasons for the Sun Devils' Big 12 championship-winning run, and with most of key contributors back in 2025, position coach and Valley native A.J. Cooper's group is primed for a title defense. On this episode, A.J. and I discuss the rewarding grind of coaching, the impact of the program's culture, a detailed breakdown of the players in the room, the value of a second year in the scheme, and much more.

ASU's defensive resurgence in 2024 was spurred by several new faces. That included the man who was the "quarterback" of the defense, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, who quickly became a team leader and the one wearing the in-helmet communication device. It was only fitting, as Keyshaun was an accomplished high school quarterback before becoming one of the Big 12's best defenders. With a year in the scheme under his belt, he's poised to make another major leap and help the Sun Devils build upon last year's Playoff run. On this episode, Keyshaun and I discuss his football journey, his growth in the defense, The Werewolves, hard hits, his golf game, and much more.