As the Arizona State Sun Devils approach their season opener against Morgan State on September 5, competition for starting positions remains intense. The team has experienced competitive practices throughout both spring and fall camps, largely due to the absence of several returning starters.
In the running back position, senior Kyson Brown, who has been with the program for four years, is not guaranteed the RB1 spot despite being the returning veteran. Brown had limited play last season due to an ankle injury, finishing with 18 carries for 106 yards over four games.
Sixth-year senior Marquis Gillis, a transfer from Delaware State with a strong record of 1,507 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and true freshman Cardae Mack are also contenders. Running backs coach Shaun Aguano indicated that the decision will depend on situational performance and the most reliable player for specific game scenarios.
The placekicking competition features senior Carston Kieffer and sixth-year senior Carson Smith, who are vying to replace the graduated Jesus Gomez. Kieffer has been in the program for four years but did not see game action as a freshman, while Smith, a transfer from Austin Peay, has demonstrated a stronger range in practice. Both kickers may see action, with one potentially handling kickoffs.
In the punting category, junior Kanyon Floyd and Ohio State transfer Nick McLarty are competing for the job. Floyd averaged 40.7 yards per punt as a freshman and 41.4 yards in 2025, although he faced challenges due to a quad strain.
McLarty, standing at 6-foot-7, has limited experience with only three kicks over the past two years but may have a slight advantage in the competition.
