Sun Bowl Preview
Ten years after their memorable 2014 matchup in El Paso—where Arizona State edged Duke 36-31—the Sun Devils and Blue Devils renew acquaintances in the 2025 Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. The game, broadcast on CBS and streaming on CBSSports.com, the CBS Sports App, and Paramount+ Premium, takes place at the historic Sun Bowl stadium in El Paso, Texas.
This rematch carries extra significance as the final college football broadcast for longtime analyst Gary Danielson, capping his 20-year run with CBS Sports.
Team Recaps and Context
Arizona State (8-4) enters as a program on the rise under head coach Kenny Dillingham, an ASU alumnus who recently inked a new five-year contract to solidify his commitment. The Sun Devils made noise in the Big 12 this season, earning a conference title game appearance and a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. However, they’re significantly shorthanded for this bowl, with around 19 players from the two-deep roster unavailable due to various reasons.
Duke (8-5) capped an impressive campaign by claiming the ACC championship, marking back-to-back seasons with at least nine wins under coach Manny Diaz. Often flying under the radar as a five-loss conference champ, the Blue Devils retain most of their key offensive weapons, giving them a notable edge in continuity heading into this non-playoff bowl.
Key Absences and Quarterback Situations
Arizona State’s depth takes the bigger hit:
- Notable opt-outs/absences include starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Raleek Brown, cornerback Keith Abney II, and defensive end Clayton Smith, among others.
- Backup Jeff Sims is slated to start at QB, stepping into a challenging spot without much proven support around him.
Duke’s absences are less disruptive on offense:
- Key losses include second-team All-ACC offensive lineman Brian Parker, standout cornerback Chandler Rivers, and defensive end VJ Anthony.
- Transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who threw for 30 touchdowns against just five interceptions while completing nearly 68% of his passes this year, is expected to play and return for the Blue Devils in 2026.
What to Watch
This matchup pits Arizona State’s explosive potential (even depleted) against Duke’s more intact lineup and defensive stability. The Blue Devils’ ability to contain Sims while letting Mensah operate efficiently could dictate the flow. With both teams motivated—ASU to cap a breakthrough season positively and Duke to affirm its ACC title run—this Sun Bowl has all the makings of a competitive, intriguing finale to the non-playoff bowl slate.
Arizona State’s eighth Sun Bowl appearance comes with strong history (wins in four of their last five), while this marks Duke’s first-ever trip to the game. Expect a hard-fought contest in the Texas sun as both programs look ahead to promising 2026 campaigns.
