Arizona State Football Coaches Face Uncertainty Ahead of 2026 Season

Arizona State football is navigating a period of uncertainty as the coaching staff prepares for the 2026 season. One of the latest developments involves the promotion of Jack Nudo, who has been named the full-time special teams coordinator. This decision comes after Nudo served as an interim coordinator following the departure of Charlie Ragle, who took an indefinite leave of absence for health reasons. It remains unclear whether Ragle will return to his role or not.

Nudo was appointed as the interim special teams coordinator in late October, just days after Arizona State’s 24-16 loss to Houston. Since then, he has shown significant promise, leading the unit through five games with notable improvements. One of the most impressive moments came on November 15 during a game against West Virginia, when Nudo orchestrated a successful fake field goal attempt that resulted in a two-point conversion. This play gave Arizona State a 15-3 lead and was praised by head coach Kenny Dillingham as a pivotal moment in the game.

Despite some personnel challenges, the special teams unit under Nudo showed clear signs of progress. The Sun Devils are now looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for the 2026 season.

A Strong Foundation with Elite Transfer Talent

Arizona State is also positioning itself to attract top-tier talent, particularly in the kicking and special teams departments. One standout player to watch is Mateen Bhaghani, a three-year kicker who transferred from UCLA. Bhaghani has been exceptional, converting all 71 extra point attempts and making 83% of his field goals during his time at Cal and UCLA. His performance makes him a valuable asset as Arizona State looks to replace departing kicker Jesus Gomez.

In addition to Bhaghani, there is potential for the program to bring in a punter through the transfer portal. With the 2026 season still eight months away, the Sun Devils have time to solidify their roster and make strategic moves to strengthen their special teams unit.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

The upcoming season will be crucial for Arizona State as they aim to build on the progress made this year. The team will open the 2026 season with a home game against Morgan State, setting the stage for what could be a competitive campaign. With Nudo in charge of special teams and the potential for new transfers to contribute, the Sun Devils are laying the groundwork for a strong future.

For more updates on Arizona State football and other sports, stay tuned for the latest news and analysis. Whether it’s the men’s basketball team or the football program, the Sun Devils are showing signs of growth and potential.