Arizona State Football’s Brutal 2026 Schedule Tests Kenny Dillingham’s Rebuild

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham faces a monumental challenge in 2026. The program’s upcoming schedule is arguably its toughest in years. It features high-stakes road games and a transatlantic trip that will test the team’s depth and resilience.

This difficult path comes after a 2025 season marred by injuries and close losses. According to reports, the Sun Devils will need a major roster overhaul before this gauntlet begins. The 2026 Arizona State football schedule is a defining moment for Dillingham’s project in Tempe.

Early-Season Gauntlet Awaits Sun Devils

The season’s first major test comes quickly. Arizona State travels to face Texas A&M in Week Two. This is a road game against an SEC powerhouse that reached the 2025 College Football Playoff.

Playing at Kyle Field presents a massive environmental challenge. The Aggies’ home stadium is famously one of the loudest venues in college football. Texas A&M is also expected to return star quarterback Marcel Reed.

There is no time to recover from that SEC battle. The Sun Devils then face an unprecedented logistical hurdle. They must travel to London just one week later to open Big 12 play against Kansas.

Conference Road Slate Presents Steep Climb

The schedule difficulty does not let up in Big 12 play. Arizona State must travel to face the league’s top contenders from 2025. This includes road games at BYU and Texas Tech, both participants in last season’s conference championship game.

Furthermore, the annual rivalry game against Arizona is on the road in 2026. The Territorial Cup in Tucson is always a fiercely contested battle. Winning there requires peak performance.

In contrast, the home schedule appears more manageable. Hosting Colorado, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State offers opportunities. But capitalizing on those home games is essential to offset the tough road slate.

Success in 2026 will depend heavily on roster development and health. The Arizona State football schedule is a true measure of the program’s progress under Dillingham.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is the Arizona State vs. Texas A&M game in 2026?

The game is scheduled for September 12, 2026. It will be Arizona State’s second game of the season. The Sun Devils will play at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.

Where in London will ASU play Kansas?

The specific London stadium has not been officially confirmed. College football games in the UK are often held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game is set for September 19, 2026.

Which 2026 road game is considered the toughest?

The road game at Texas A&M is likely the toughest single contest. The combination of a playoff-caliber SEC opponent and a hostile road environment creates a major challenge for any team.

How does the 2026 schedule impact bowl eligibility?

The difficult road schedule makes reaching six wins more challenging. Arizona State must win most of its home games and pull at least one major road upset. Every game will be critical for postseason hopes.

Why is the schedule so tough next season?

Conference realignment and pre-existing contracts created this perfect storm. The move to the Big 12 paired with a scheduled road game at an SEC contender results in a brutal lineup. It is a consequence of the new college football landscape.