Arizona State Gears Up for Big 12 Opener Against Baylor

WACO, Texas (AP) — The Arizona State Sun Devils are set to defend their Big 12 Championship as they face Baylor in their conference opener this Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at McLane Stadium.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. AZT (6:30 p.m. locally) and will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with commentary from Tim Brando, Devin Gardner, and Josh Sims.

Last season, the Sun Devils claimed the Big 12 title and advanced to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Head coach Kenny Dillingham aims to build on that success, noting that the Bears pose a significant challenge.

“Baylor is always a tough team,” Dillingham said. “They have a potent offense and a solid defense. We need to be at our best.”

Arizona State improved to 2-1 after a dominant 34-15 victory over Texas State last week. Quarterback Sam Leavitt played a key role, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. Running back Raleek Brown recorded 144 rushing yards, showing the depth of the Sun Devils’ offense.

Defensively, the Sun Devils set a strong precedent by limiting Texas State, a previously high-scoring team, to just 15 points. Linebacker Jordan Crook led the defense with 12 tackles and helped create turnovers that shifted momentum in ASU’s favor.

“We want to carry over the energy and passion from last week,” Crook said. “It’s all about execution and not letting our opponents score easily.”

In preparation for Baylor, ASU will focus on maintaining their defensive standards. The Bears’ quarterback Sawyer Robertson leads an offense that has shown explosiveness.

“We need to stay disciplined and keep the pressure on their offense,” Dillingham urged. “Get ready for a battle.”

The Sun Devils will have more than just the championship on the line; they aim to establish their dominance in Big 12 play early in the season. Fans can expect a compelling matchup as ASU looks to maintain their winning momentum.

Coverage of the game will be available across various platforms, including ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 FM HD-2.