Arizona State football has seen its fair share of stars over the decades, but when you sit down to craft an all-time team, sparks are bound to fly. The Sun Devils’ history is filled with record-breaking quarterbacks, powerhouse running backs, hard-hitting defenders, and charismatic leaders who left unforgettable marks. Head coach Kenny Dillingham, who currently leads the program into a new era, was recently asked to weigh in on the debate, and the names that came up have already stirred a storm among fans.
At quarterback, the honor went to Jake Plummer, the legendary “Snake” who dazzled fans in the mid-1990s. Plummer led Arizona State to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1997 and nearly captured a national championship. His combination of poise, grit, and improvisation earned him the nod over other greats like Andrew Walter and Brock Osweiler. While Walter still holds impressive school passing records, the magic and leadership Plummer displayed on the field pushed him to the top of the list.
In the backfield, the decision was equally tough. Woody Green, who dominated in the early 1970s, and J.R. Redmond, the hero of the 1997 Rose Bowl run, were locked into the lineup. Their blend of speed and physicality represented the perfect balance, giving the all-time team an offense that could run over defenses while also breaking away for big plays. Shockingly, Eno Benjamin, despite his record-breaking career in recent years, was left off. That omission has already lit up social media, with fans arguing that his versatility should have secured him a spot.
At wide receiver, John Jefferson was an easy pick. Jefferson’s highlight-reel catches in the 1970s made him one of the most electrifying Sun Devils ever, and he went on to a stellar NFL career. He was joined by Derek Hagan, who remains the school’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. Together, the duo gave this fictional all-time squad a dangerous aerial threat. Missing the cut, however, was N’Keal Harry, whose modern-era dominance and first-round NFL selection were not enough to push out the older legends.
On defense, the spotlight fell on Pat Tillman, whose legacy extends far beyond football. Tillman was a relentless linebacker and safety who embodied the heart and soul of Arizona State athletics. Alongside him, Terrell Suggs, the ferocious pass-rusher who won the Lombardi Award and set the NCAA single-season sack record, was another no-brainer. With these two legends anchoring the defense, the all-time team became both feared and respected, symbolizing grit, courage, and dominance.
Special teams brought its own debate. Kicker Luis Zendejas, a member of the famous Zendejas kicking family, got the nod for his clutch performances in the 1980s. Some argued Thomas Weber, the 2007 Lou Groza Award winner, should have taken the spot, but Zendejas’s consistency and connection to Sun Devil lore gave him the edge. Meanwhile, Eric Guliford was named the return specialist, a choice that surprised many given the dynamic returners who followed.
Kenny Dillingham himself admitted the list would always be controversial, noting that leaving off recent stars like Taylor Kelly or Benjamin was painful but necessary. “You can’t fit everyone in,” he said. “What makes Arizona State special is the tradition of greatness across so many generations.” And he’s right—whether fans agree with the final lineup or not, one thing is certain: the Sun Devils’ all-time team is a reminder of a proud program built by legends who defined greatness.
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