ASU OL Wade Helton out vs. Texas Tech, Makua Pule starts at center

TEMPE — Arizona State center Wade Helton is out for Saturday against No. 7 Texas Tech, leaving Makua Pule as the starter against one of the nation’s best defensive lines.

This comes after Ben Coleman, who started the first five games of the season at center, had season-ending arm surgery after exiting the Utah game, which was his first start of the year back at left guard.

Sam Leavitt is available to play, while punter Kanyon Floyd played after he was a game-time decision.

wade helton and kanyon floyd are game-time decisions for asu. makua pule would get the start at center if helton can’t go. pic.twitter.com/5aGpAMGQ5C

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) October 18, 2025

Helton was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice with an undisclosed injury, and Pule got the reps he missed.

Helton was probable on the first three Big 12 availability reports before being downgraded to a game-time decision on the game day update. Last week was the first start of his college career, coming at center.

Most of Pule’s snaps in-game have come as a fullback in jumbo packages, with 19 such snaps coming in 2024 and one this season at Baylor.

He has 17 career in-game snaps at center, with most coming at the end of the Big 12 title game.

“Whenever he jumps in, there’s not a whole lot of stuff in him like, ‘Hey, I don’t even recognize what’s going on,’” offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said of Pule’s practice. “I think it’s just the reality of a guy who just maybe has less reps and you may pay closer attention.”

Follow along with ASU-Texas Tech at 1 p.m. MST on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. It will be televised on FOX.

Related

Texas Tech to reportedly start backup QB Will Hammond at Arizona StateSam Leavitt's foot injury led to fan and reporter 'ghost-chasing.' Kenny Dillingham loves itBig 12 availability report: Sam Leavitt listed as probable for ASU's matchup against Texas TechLSU cancels home-and-home series with ASUCam Skattebo can’t quite stick landing on backflip during Fanatics FestASU-Arizona Territorial Cup among top 5 rivalries in nation, study says