Man, college football in 2026 is basically a giant game of musical chairs. If you blink, your favorite player is wearing a different jersey, and honestly, the Arizona State running back room is the perfect example of that chaos. We just watched a season where the Sun Devils went 8-5, fought through a mountain of injuries, and saw some of the most electric backfield play in the Big 12. But if you’re looking at the roster today? It looks almost nothing like the one that started last August.
Basically, the era of Cam Skattebo is officially over, and the "What's next?" part is getting really loud. Skattebo wasn't just a player; he was a vibe. The dude finished 5th in Heisman voting in 2024, broke nearly every school rushing record, and then headed off to the New York Giants as a 4th-round pick. Filling those shoes is like trying to replace a hurricane with a garden hose.
Kenny Dillingham is trying to do it anyway.
The Raleek Brown Exit and the Texas Sized Hole
Here's the thing that kinda stings for Sun Devil fans right now. We all thought Raleek Brown was going to be the guy. After transferring from USC, he had a massive breakout year in 2025, racking up 1,141 rushing yards and showing off those "blink and he’s gone" hands with 34 catches. People were already talking about him being a first-team All-Big 12 lock for 2026.
Then January hit.
In a move that surprised a lot of people—mostly because he initially teased an NFL jump—Brown decided to hit the portal again. He’s headed to Texas. Losing a 5-star talent like that to a former conference rival (back when the Pac-12 was a thing) is a tough pill. Texas gets a dynamic playmaker, and ASU is left looking at a depth chart that's suddenly very young and very "FCS-heavy."
Meet the New Guard: Who is Actually Carrying the Rock?
So, who is the actual Arizona State running back you need to know for this upcoming season? It’s not just one person. Dillingham loves to rotate, and right now, the room is a mix of "wait and see" talent and portal gambles.
Kyson Brown: The Comeback Kid
If you’re looking for the projected RB1, it’s Kyson Brown. He’s a junior from Lancaster, Texas, who was actually supposed to be a major factor last year before a nagging injury against Utah basically ended his season. Before he went down, the guy was a walking highlight reel—145 all-purpose yards in the 2025 opener alone. He’s got the size (6'1", 205 lbs) and the speed that coaches drool over. If he stays healthy, he’s the clear leader.
Jason Brown Jr.: The Sun Bowl Spark
You probably saw what happened in the Sun Bowl against Duke on New Year's Eve. Jason Brown Jr., a former four-star recruit who mostly played special teams all year, finally got his shot. He went off for 134 yards. Yeah, he had a fumble late in the game that was pretty costly, but the explosiveness was undeniable. He’s a redshirt freshman with massive upside.
The FCS Invasion: David Avit and Marquis Gillis
ASU is leaning hard into the "diamonds in the rough" strategy. They just picked up David Avit from Villanova and Marquis Gillis from Delaware State.
- David Avit: A sophomore who was a monster at the FCS level. He's coming in to provide depth, but don't be shocked if he climbs the ladder fast.
- Marquis Gillis: A senior with over 2,400 career rushing yards. He averages over five yards a carry and brings the "grown man" strength that this young room desperately needs.
Why the Running Game is the Heart of the Dillingham System
You’ve probably heard Dillingham talk about "psychological flexibility." It sounds like corporate speak, but in Tempe, it basically means "we’re going to run the ball until you’re tired of tackling us, then we’re going to throw a screen."
Last season, even with the injuries to Sam Leavitt (who just transferred to LSU, by the way) and the rotating door at RB, the Sun Devils still managed to be a top-tier rushing offense in the Big 12. The scheme relies on backs who can catch. If you can’t run a route out of the backfield, you aren't playing for Shaun Aguano (the RB coach who has basically become the soul of this program).
The complexity comes from the RPO (Run-Pass Option) game. With a new quarterback likely coming in from the portal to replace Leavitt, the Arizona State running back group has to be the stabilizer. They aren't just there to take handoffs; they’re the primary blockers and often the primary receivers in the "dirtier" parts of the field.
What Most People Get Wrong About ASU's Backfield
A lot of national media types look at the departures of Skattebo and Raleek Brown and think the Sun Devils are cooked. "They lost all their production," they say.
Actually, that’s not entirely true.
While the names changed, the production usually stays because of how Dillingham and OC Marcus Arroyo design the run lanes. They use a lot of "12 personnel" (two tight ends), which creates massive gaps. Whether it's a 5-star like Raleek or a grinder like Marquis Gillis, the system is designed to generate 4.5 yards per carry just by alignment alone.
The real question is: who has the "dog" in them? Skattebo won games because he refused to fall down. Raleek won games because he was faster than everyone else. This 2026 group has to find its identity. Is it going to be Kyson Brown’s power? Or Jason Brown Jr.’s pure speed?
Key Names to Watch on the 2026 Roster
| Player | Status | Why He Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Kyson Brown | Returning Junior | Expected RB1; needs to stay healthy. |
| Jason Brown Jr. | Redshirt Freshman | Highest ceiling in the room; Sun Bowl star. |
| Demarius "Man Man" Robinson | Sophomore | Flashy freshman year; huge in the rotation. |
| David Avit | Villanova Transfer | The sleeper pick for a breakout. |
| Cardae Mack | True Freshman | 4-star recruit who's already practicing. |
Actionable Insights for Sun Devil Fans
If you’re following the team this spring, keep your eyes on the "green" jerseys. Here is how you can actually track if the run game is working:
- Watch the "Man Man" Robinson Reps: If Demarius Robinson is getting first-team reps over the transfers, it means the coaching staff trusts his knowledge of the playbook more than the veteran experience of the newcomers.
- The Receiving Back Battle: Look at who is catching passes in the flat during the spring game. The RB who becomes the "safety valve" for the new QB is the one who will see 20+ touches a game.
- The Cardae Mack Hype: Keep an ear out for Cardae Mack. Dillingham has already been praising him in December practices. If a true freshman is pushing for time in a room full of transfers, he’s special.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride. The Sun Devils are retooling on the fly, but if history tells us anything about Kenny Dillingham, it’s that he’ll find a way to make the Arizona State running back position the most productive part of the offense. Whether it’s a portal find or a home-grown star, the ground game in Tempe isn't slowing down.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the transfer portal updates through late January. Roster spots are still fluid, and with the way the "pro model" works in Tempe, one more big-name addition wouldn't be out of the question before spring ball kicks off in March.