ASU Works to Keep Freshman Stars
Coach Kenny Dillingham says Arizona State will work to retain its freshman players as the program leans on young talent.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham said the program will work to retain its freshman players, while athletic director Graham Rossini described retention as an ever-present challenge in college sports. The comments come as several first-year players have made significant contributions.
Why it matters
Retaining young talent is a central concern as college football rosters turn over quickly and players weigh professional opportunities early. Dillingham's view that several freshmen will play on Sundays underscores how much the program's future depends on keeping its underclassmen.
Freshman running back Cardae Mack has totaled 531 yards and seven touchdowns over his last four games, rushing for at least 100 yards in three of them. Arizona State had four players drafted in 2026, but the future roster status of its current freshmen remains unsettled.
The players
Kenny Dillingham
Dillingham is the head football coach at Arizona State University, where he has built his program around a strong recruiting class of young players.
Graham Rossini
Rossini is the athletic director at Arizona State University, overseeing the school's athletic programs and their long-term competitive strategy.
The details
Dillingham made the retention comments in an interview with Arizona Sports' Bickley & Marotta, while Rossini spoke with Arizona Sports' Burns & Gambo. Freshman quarterback Jake Fette has thrown for 224 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions over three halves, and defensive lineman Julian Hugo has four sacks and four tackles for loss.
Timeline
Dillingham's interview with Bickley & Marotta aired on Friday.
Rossini's interview with Burns & Gambo aired on Thursday.
Arizona State hosts Colorado at Mountain America Stadium this week, where Fette is expected to make his first home start.
Season Trajectory
Early-entry NFL draft rules and the NCAA transfer portal have made roster retention one of college football's central challenges. Arizona State's effort to keep its freshmen reflects how programs now compete to hold young players whose value rises quickly.
Fantasy managers tracking Arizona State's backfield should watch Cardae Mack's usage, given his 531 yards over four games. Fette's first home start against Colorado could shift the quarterback picture for Tempe-area fans and bettors alike.
The takeaway
Retention is becoming as important as recruiting in college football, and programs that keep their young players gain a lasting competitive edge. Tracking how many freshmen stay through the season offers a clear signal of a program's direction.
Further reading
For more on the program's current roster and season, see the latest Football coverage.
