Arizona State Revised Rushing Personnel After Sluggish Start
Head coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed plans to rotate more players into the offensive backfield.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Running
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Should coaches rotate more players into the lineup to fix poor team performance?
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham announced personnel changes to the team's rushing attack following disappointing production. The Sun Devils are currently averaging 165.7 yards per game, ranking 13th among Big 12 teams.
Why it matters
The team's ground game performance has fallen below the established standard, necessitating a shift in strategy. Coaches intend to increase the number of players involved in the offensive plan to improve output.
Kyson Brown has recorded 227 yards on 43 carries, while Jason Brown Jr. has logged 60 yards on five carries. Additionally, Marquis Gillis has contributed 73 yards on 11 attempts.
The players
Kenny Dillingham
He is the head coach of the Arizona State University football team.
Kyson Brown
He is a running back for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Jason Brown Jr.
He is a running back for Arizona State who has seen limited action this season.
Marquis Gillis
He is a running back currently competing for carries on the Arizona State roster.
The details
The program has faced significant struggles in efficiency, currently sitting with only TCU and Arkansas as having a lower EPA per rush among Power Four teams. Dillingham signaled that these adjustments will be visible in the next game as the staff looks to utilize more depth.
Timeline
ASU ranked second in the Big 12 in rushing during the 2025 season.
Jason Brown Jr. carried 13 times in the December 2025 Sun Bowl.
Kenny Dillingham announced planned changes to the run game in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This move suggests a shift in the Sun Devils' offensive identity as they attempt to reclaim the efficiency levels that made them a top rushing threat in the Big 12 last year. The coaching staff is clearly prioritizing a wider rotation to address the current lack of explosive production.
The upcoming game will likely feature a more committee-based approach in the backfield rather than relying on a single bell-cow runner. Fantasy players and fans should monitor the snap counts for Jason Brown Jr. and Marquis Gillis, who are expected to see increased opportunities.
The takeaway
Effective running games in the Big 12 often rely on fresh legs and versatile personnel rotations. Expanding the depth chart is a common method for coaches to identify which playmakers can best exploit specific defensive fronts.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate athletic updates, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Sports.
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Should coaches rotate more players into the lineup to fix poor team performance?
