The Arizona State Sun Devils have announced the addition of a non-conference opponent for their 2027 football schedule. Akron will visit Mountain America Stadium for the season opener on August 28, 2027. Arizona State is set to pay Akron $1.15 million for this matchup.
This decision comes as Arizona State navigates significant changes in college football, including the impact of conference realignment. The Sun Devils have lost home-and-home series against teams like Florida, Louisiana State, and Texas due to the SEC expanding its schedule, which has made it challenging for Arizona State to secure high-profile opponents.
As a result, the Sun Devils are increasingly facing mid-major teams rather than premier programs. While this shift presents challenges, it also offers opportunities within the Big 12 Conference, where Arizona State aims to improve its chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham is focusing on enhancing the program's presence in California, with upcoming games against Cal Poly and Stanford. Dillingham's recruiting efforts have also been fruitful in Texas, with a significant portion of the 2026 recruiting class coming from that state.
