As the 2024 season heads into its final stretch, things are heating up with added instability and intrigue. Among the top 10 playoff-ranked teams, Penn State, Indiana, and Ohio State had identical 10-1 records going into last week. But this week? A mix of wins and losses shook things up, leaving the rankings in flux. Adding to the buzz, Adam Breneman boldly declared that Arizona State, with its $5.9 million CFB program, is a serious contender for the championship.

On December 3, Breneman took to his X account, posting, “Arizona State is one of the hottest teams in college football right now.” In a clip from the Power Hour podcast, he elaborated: “Arizona State has a quarterback who’s playing at an extremely high level, and Sam Leavitt—he and Kenny Dillingham are going to be a threat for two more seasons in Tempe.” With a 10-2 record, the Sun Devils have come a long way from their injury-riddled 3-9 season under Coach Dillingham. The rebuild started strong in the transfer portal, landing Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Cam Skattebo to revamp the offense. Add to that a retooled O-line with solid pass and run abilities, and you’ve got a squad on the rise.

Breneman highlighted their growth, saying, “Arizona State’s offensive line is quietly playing great. They have some talent in the trenches—a couple of players that I think could play in the NFL. Their defense has been aggressive and has made big plays in their winning streak. You combine all those things, and I think this is an Arizona State team that can challenge most of these teams in the top 12.” And honestly? With that momentum, why not?

As of now, as per Adam Breneman, doesn’t undervalue Arizona State’s potential in this 12-team playoff. Depending on how the playoffs go, we might be looking at Kenny’s ASU squad, which has an automatic bid and might play in the Fiesta Bowl, which would essentially be a home game for Arizona State. In fact, Breneman was all praise for Kenny Dillingham before making the bold prediction that ASU could win it all.

Adam Breneman’s three points for Kenny Dillingham

Breneman stated, highlighting three qualities that distinguish Kenny Dillingham from previous head coaches: “One, he is innovative and willing to adapt to the new era of college football. And he used the new-era NIL portal. You hear so many coaches complain about it.” And he has undoubtedly accomplished that with ease with the help of his staffers.

Breneman continued, adding two further reasons: “He’s brought a new sense of energy from the valley that the valley was missing. A long time. I think the third piece is that he relates to players, and that ties into talent. Acquisition when you get Kenny Dillingham in a room with a transfer portal player with a high school prospect. The players gravitate toward him and want to play for him.”

Dillingham’s squad is turning heads and making a strong push for a playoff spot. With Breneman hyping them up, the Sun Devils are feeling confident and ready to take on the college football world. Meanwhile, the Big 12 is also heating up. Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado are all battling it out with a 7-2 conference record. But Arizona State is the team to watch. They’ve got the momentum, the talent, and the belief. Can they pull off a Big 12 championship?