Can Kenny Dillingham overcome challenges to keep momentum going at Arizona State?

It’s a big year for birthdays. America reached 250. Apple turned 50, a company that changed the world with a handheld device. And in late November, the Territorial Cup will celebrate its centennial anniversary, marking the 100th meeting between rival universities.

It’s a big, bloody deal. It’s a date to circle on the calendar. And it’s the ultimate compliment to Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham that he remains the Valley’s most popular and compelling head coach despite a 1-2 record against the Wildcats.

Dillingham met with the media on Wednesday, officially kicking off a new season of Sun Devils’ football. He was theatrical, philosophical, humorous and serious. Reporters walked away eternally grateful for such a willing, engaging subject. In Tempe, it was business as usual.

But the stakes are growing around the program. Dillingham’s former quarterback (Sam Leavitt) will be playing for the villainous Lane Kiffin at LSU, a program guaranteed to dominate the national conversation. Down south, Noah Fifita is a Heisman Trophy candidate returning for his fourth season at Arizona, a kid who has been enrolled at the University of Arizona since 2022. He is a marvelous talent whose loyalty saved Brent Brennan’s hide.

As for Dillingham’s quarterback? Cutter Boley? Mikey Keene? Jake Fette? Cam Dyer?

“I think it’s going to be a good competition going in,” Dillingham said.

Dillingham is hoping the winner declares himself with emphasis when practices begin on Aug. 5, although the competition might last as long as three weeks. Obviously, it’s not ideal for a head coach who wants ASU to emerge as the team of the decade in college football.

The schedule is also brutal, including a Week 3 game at Wembley Stadium in London just seven days after playing a road game at Texas A&M. Most oddsmakers have the Sun Devils projected to win 6.5 games, which is more fuel for the fire. We all know that Dillingham thrives on challenges. He is most dangerous when doubted.

Quarterback uncertainties aside, Dillingham thinks he has an extremely deep team with a very good attitude and exemplary work ethic. And it’s his charge to keep the excitement building in the Valley.

“We have over a 90 percent renewal rate again,” Dillingham said. “By next year, we’re going to be sold out of season tickets. You’ll be on a list to buy season tickets here, which is crazy to process in (the span of) four years.”

Dillingham is only 36, another graduating class removed from the age of 40. His savvy and his messaging are uncanny and wise beyond his years. He knows how to win games on the field, and he knows how to play the game outside the lines. And now he’s tasked with the hardest ask in the Valley:

Create a program that wins consistently and sustains a standard of excellence. A program that is more than a one-hit wonder.

“People expect us to play good football, right?” Dillingham said. “Not just be in games. They expect us to win games. That’s a good thing.”

Reach Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.

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