Amanda: Paul, I've been looking at the roster, and there's a position battle that could decide Arizona State's whole season. And it's not the one everyone's talking about.
Paul: Oh, I know exactly which one you mean. The offensive line. If they don't sort that out, nothing else matters.
Amanda: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm Amanda, and as always, I'm joined by the sharpest mind in college football, Paul. Today we're breaking down the roster battles that will define the Sun Devils' 2026 season.
Paul: We've got three big ones: the quarterback room, the running back rotation, and that offensive line depth chart. And we'll tell you who's trending up and who might be on the roster bubble.
Amanda: Stick with us. We're about to get into it.
Amanda: Alright, Paul, let's start with the most important battle: the quarterbacks. We've got Cutter Boley, Cameron Dyer, Jake Fette, and Pauly Keene all on the roster. Who's winning this thing?
Paul: Honestly, Amanda, I think it's Cutter Boley's job to lose. He's got the arm talent and the size you want. But Cameron Dyer is a dual-threat guy who can make plays with his legs. It's a classic pocket passer vs. athlete battle.
Amanda: And what about Jake Fette? He's been in the program for a while. Does he have a shot?
Paul: Fette's a gamer, but he might be the odd man out if they want to develop the younger guys. Pauly Keene's a freshman, so he's probably a project. This battle comes down to Boley and Dyer.
Amanda: So if you're head coach, who do you put under center against Morgan State?
Paul: I'd go with Boley. He gives you the best chance to push the ball downfield, and with that receiver corps, you want someone who can get them the ball in stride.
Amanda: But Dyer's mobility could be a weapon. Remember how the transfer portal QB scramble was all over the headlines? We talked about that earlier this week.
Paul: Right, and that's the thing. With a new QB, you want a guy who can extend plays. But Boley's arm is special. I think he wins the job, but Dyer will have a package.
Amanda: Interesting. So it's not just a one-man show. There's a plan for both.
Paul: Exactly. And that's what good teams do. They use their personnel to create mismatches. We'll see it in Week 1.
Amanda: Alright, let's move to the running backs. We've got a whole stable of guys: David Avit, Kyson Brown, Jason Brown Jr., Marquis Gillis, Cardae Mack, Grayson Rigdon. That's a crowded room.
Paul: It's a good problem to have. Cardae Mack's been the talk of camp. I said earlier this week he'd lead the team in rushing, and I'm sticking to that. He's got the burst and vision.
Amanda: But what about Jason Brown Jr.? He's got experience. Does he get the nod as the starter?
Paul: Experience matters, but Mack is the future. I think you see a committee approach early, but Mack will get the bulk of the carries by mid-season.
Amanda: So who's the change-of-pace guy?
Paul: Grayson Rigdon looks like a nice complement. He's a bigger back, can catch out of the backfield. Kyson Brown has some juice too. It's a deep room, but Mack's the star.
Amanda: And we predicted a breakout year for Mack on defense? Wait, that was a different prediction. We said he'd have a breakout on defense earlier, but then we corrected it to rushing. Let's clarify.
Paul: Yeah, we had a slip-up. Cardae Mack is a running back, and he's going to break out on offense. That's the take.
Amanda: Okay, good. So running back is settled. Mack's the guy. But the offensive line is a whole other story.
Amanda: Let's dig into the offensive line. We've got a bunch of names: Tana Alo-Tupuola, Luke Baklenko, Desean Bryant Jr., Brent and Wade Helton, Matai Jefferson, Terrell Kim, Jalen Klemm, Rob and Siosaia Lapuaho, Manamo'ui Muti, Niniva Nicholson, Makua Pule, and Jarmaine Mitchell. That's a lot of bodies.
Paul: And that's the problem. Too many guys fighting for five spots. You need continuity. I think the starting five will be Alo-Tupuola, Baklenko, Klemm, one of the Heltons, and Muti. But it's a battle.
Amanda: What about the Lapuaho brothers? They're both on the roster. Any chance they both start?
Paul: Rob and Siosaia are both talented, but they're similar players. You might see one at guard and one at tackle, but they'll have to beat out some experienced guys. It's a competition.
Amanda: And how important is that line for the quarterback battle? If Boley wins the job, he needs protection.
Paul: Absolutely. A young QB's worst nightmare is pressure up the middle. They need to solidify that interior. If they don't, it doesn't matter who's throwing the ball.
Amanda: So what's your gut on the starting five against Morgan State?
Paul: I think you'll see Alo-Tupuola at tackle, Baklenko at tackle, Klemm at center, Brent Helton at guard, and Muti at guard. But don't be surprised if they rotate early.
Amanda: Now let's talk about the wide receivers. We've got a talented group: Chance Ables, Cory Butler Jr., Derek Eusebio, Jaren Hamilton, Reed Harris, Harry Hassmann, Omarion Miller, Jalen Moss, Uriah Neloms, and Plas Johnson. Who's stepping up?
Paul: Omarion Miller is the clear No. 1. He's a big-play threat. But the battle for the No. 2 and slot spots is wide open. I like Jalen Moss and Uriah Neloms to compete.
Amanda: What about the tight ends? Khamari Anderson, James Giggey, AJ Ia, Kristian Ingman, Anthony Miller, Landen Miree. That's a deep group too.
Paul: Tight end is interesting. Khamari Anderson is a receiving threat, but Anthony Miller is a better blocker. You might see a rotation depending on the situation. It's a good problem to have.
Amanda: So the skill positions are loaded. It's the trenches that worry me. We need to find the right five.
Paul: Exactly. And that's what camp is for. They'll figure it out before Morgan State.
Amanda: Alright, Paul, let's get into the roster cut predictions. Who's trending up, and who might be on the bubble?
Paul: Trending up: Cardae Mack, obviously. He's going to be a star. Also, Jalen Moss at receiver. He's been turning heads. And on the line, Matai Jefferson is pushing for playing time.
Amanda: Who's trending down?
Paul: I hate to say it, but some of the older running backs might be in trouble. With Mack, Rigdon, and Brown, guys like David Avit and Marquis Gillis could see their roles shrink. They might be fighting for a roster spot.
Amanda: And at quarterback, Pauly Keene is probably a stash player. He's not going to play this year, but he's a developmental guy.
Paul: Right. And on the line, some of the younger guys like Jarmaine Mitchell and Niniva Nicholson might be practice squad candidates. They have potential, but they're not ready.
Amanda: So who's the surprise cut?
Paul: I think one of the veteran receivers could be a surprise cut. If they need roster spots for the young guys, someone like Chance Ables might be on the bubble. He's a solid player, but not a star.
Amanda: That's a bold take. But we've seen crazier things happen.
Paul: It happens every year. You have to make tough decisions. But the good news is, this team is deep. They have talent at every position.
Amanda: Let's talk about the opener. Morgan State comes to Tempe on September 6th. What are you expecting?
Paul: I expect a dominant performance. The defense should force a turnover in the first quarter, like we predicted. And the running game should go over 200 yards. This is a game to build confidence.
Amanda: And we're sticking with our nine-win prediction for the season. I think that's realistic.
Paul: Absolutely. With this roster, anything less would be a disappointment.
Amanda: That's all the time we have today. We recapped the QB battle, the running back rotation, the O-line competition, and who's on the roster bubble. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with your fellow Sun Devils fans.
Paul: And remember, we'll be back tomorrow with more coverage. Until then, Forks Up!
Amanda: Forks Up, everyone. See you next time.