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Brian Ward’s Defense May Once Again Be Arizona State’s Biggest Strength
Offensive fireworks tend to dominate preseason conversations for ASU as of late.
Quarterback battles, transfer wide receivers and explosive statistics generate headlines throughout the summer. But if ASU is going to contend for a Big 12 Championship in 2026, it will likely be because of something much less glamorous.
Defense.
That statement would have seemed far-fetched only a few years ago. Arizona State struggled with consistency, depth and physicality during the latter years of the Pac-12 era. Today, however, the Sun Devils field one of the conference’s most disciplined and aggressive defensive units.
Much of that credit belongs to defensive coordinator Brian Ward.
Ward has built his defense around controlled aggression. Rather than sitting back and allowing offenses to dictate tempo, Arizona State attacks. Pressure packages are creative. Linebackers play downhill. Defensive backs are trusted in man coverage. The philosophy is simple: force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations and create negative plays.
That identity has become one of the defining characteristics of Kenny Dillingham’s program. The challenge entering 2026 isn’t changing that identity.
It’s maintaining it after losing experienced contributors.
Fortunately for Arizona State, the cupboard is far from empty.
Defensive Line
Setting the Tone Up Front for ASU
Every successful defense starts at the line of scrimmage. Arizona State understands that better than most.
The Sun Devils may not boast the deepest defensive line in the Big 12, but they possess something just as valuable: versatility.
Brian Ward asks his defensive linemen to do more than rush the passer. They must occupy blocks, maintain gap integrity, collapse the pocket and create opportunities for linebackers behind them.
Clayton Smith
If there’s one defender capable of becoming a household name in the Big 12, it’s Clayton Smith.
His first step consistently creates problems for offensive tackles, and his length allows him to affect passing lanes even when he doesn’t reach the quarterback.
Smith has all the physical tools NFL scouts covet.
The next step is consistency over an entire season.
2026 Projection
- 47 tackles
- 14 tackles for loss
- 9.5 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
Interior Defensive Line
The interior may not generate highlight-reel statistics, but their impact cannot be overstated.
ASU defensive tackles are responsible for occupying double teams, controlling gaps and allowing the linebackers to play freely.
If they accomplish that, the defense becomes significantly more difficult to run against.
Defensive Line Grade: A-
Linebackers
The Heart of Brian Ward’s ASU Defense
Every great defense has an identity. For Arizona State, it begins with its linebackers.
The Sun Devils enter 2026 with arguably the deepest linebacker room in the Big 12, blending experience, athleticism and football IQ.
Owen Long
One of the most important off season additions.
Long brings production, leadership and instincts that immediately elevate the second level of the defense. Rarely out of position, he diagnoses plays quickly and consistently arrives at the football.
Projection
- 112 tackles
- 10 tackles for loss
- 2 sacks
- 2 interceptions
Zyrus Fiaseu
If Long is the steady force, Fiaseu is the explosive play maker.
His sideline-to-sideline speed allows Ward to disguise pressures and create mismatches against running backs and tight ends.
Expect him to be used creatively throughout the season.
Projection
- 91 tackles
- 8 TFL
- 5 sacks
Room Outlook
This may be the strongest position group on the roster.
Arizona State has legitimate starting talent, experienced depth and enough versatility to match up against spread offenses without sacrificing physicality.
Linebacker Grade: A
Secondary
ASU is built for the Modern Big 12
Defending today’s offenses requires more than athletic corners.
It demands Communication, Versatility, and Trust.
ASU appears to have all three.
Ashton Stamps
The projected leader of the corner back room. Stamps combines physicality with excellent ball skills and has developed into one of the conference’s better cover corners. Expect opposing quarterbacks to test him early.
That likely won’t last long.
Projection
- 49 tackles
- 11 pass breakups
- 3 interceptions
Lyrik Rawls
Few safeties impact a game the way Rawls can.
Whether dropping into deep coverage, rotating into the box or disguising blitzes, he allows Brian Ward to remain unpredictable.
His versatility is invaluable.
Projection
- 72 tackles
- 4 interceptions
- 8 pass breakups
Adrian “Boogie” Wilson
Wilson gives Arizona State flexibility at nickel.
Against modern spread offenses, that position has become nearly as important as outside corner. His ability to cover slot receivers while supporting the run makes him one of the defense’s most underrated players.
Secondary Grade: A-
ASU and the Special Teams
Winning Hidden Yardage
Championship teams rarely overlook special teams.
Arizona State has steadily improved in this phase under Kenny Dillingham, emphasizing field position and limiting mistakes. While special teams rarely dominate headlines, a handful of hidden plays often determine close conference games.
The Sun Devils appear well-positioned to continue that trend in 2026.
Special Teams Grade: B+
Defensive MVP
Clayton Smith
The edge rusher possesses the highest ceiling on the defense and has the potential to earn All-Big 12 honors while drawing NFL attention.
Breakout Candidate
Owen Long
His instincts, tackling ability and leadership make him an ideal fit within Brian Ward’s system. Don’t be surprised if he finishes among the conference leaders in tackles.
Unsung Hero for ASU
Adrian “Boogie” Wilson
The nickel position rarely receives national recognition, but Wilson’s versatility could prove invaluable against the pass-heavy offenses Arizona State will face throughout Big 12 play.
Final ASU Defensive Outlook
The offense may generate the headlines. The defense may determine whether Arizona State plays for a championship.
Brian Ward has quietly assembled one of the conference’s most complete defensive units, built around an aggressive philosophy and a roster filled with experienced contributors and emerging talent.
There are still questions to answer during fall camp, particularly along the defensive line rotation and in the secondary. But unlike previous seasons, those questions revolve around maximizing potential rather than simply finding capable starters.
If the front seven consistently wins at the line of scrimmage and the secondary continues creating turnovers, ASU has every opportunity to finish among the Big 12’s top defensive teams.
Overall Defensive Grade: A-
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