JUST IN: No.4 Player In America, Five-Star Defensive Lineman Devin Carter, Chooses Arizona State Over USC and Oregon in Stunning 2025 Class Commitment
The announcement, made via a live Instagram stream and later confirmed on his X (formerly Twitter) account, marks one of the biggest recruiting wins in recent Sun Devils history.
Carter, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive phenom out of Buford High School in Georgia, is widely considered one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the 2025 class. His rare blend of power, speed, and technique has drawn comparisons to NFL Pro Bowlers, and college scouts have raved about his ability to disrupt plays in both pass and run defense. With over 40 offers from top-tier programs across the country, his recruitment has been one of the most closely watched in recent memory.
But few predicted that Arizona State would emerge victorious in the sweepstakes.
“I wanted to go somewhere I could be the difference-maker,” Carter said during his commitment speech. “It’s not just about the brand. It’s about building something real. Coach [Kenny] Dillingham and the staff made me feel like family. They showed me a plan, not just promises.”
Carter’s commitment is a major statement for Dillingham and his regime. Since taking over the Sun Devils’ program, the second-year head coach has emphasized recruiting elite talent while reshaping Arizona State’s identity into one that’s aggressive, disciplined, and forward-thinking. Landing a top-five national recruit, especially one courted heavily by blue-blood programs like USC and Oregon, proves that ASU is no longer content playing second fiddle in the Pac-12.
USC and Oregon, both of whom had hosted Carter for multiple official visits and were considered frontrunners for months, are now left reevaluating their recruiting strategies. Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning, has been particularly aggressive in securing defensive talent, while USC hoped to use its Los Angeles appeal and Lincoln Riley’s high-profile staff to close the deal.
Recruiting analysts had labeled Carter a “West Coast lean” in the past month, especially after multiple visits to Eugene and Los Angeles. But insiders now report that a late push by Arizona State, featuring Carter’s close relationship with defensive line coach Vince Amey and the potential to be a Day 1 starter, sealed the deal.
Carter becomes the crown jewel of Arizona State’s 2025 class, which now climbs into the top 15 nationally — a major leap for a program that finished outside the top 40 just two cycles ago.
With Carter’s commitment, the Sun Devils not only gain an elite athlete but also send a clear message to recruits across the country: Arizona State is serious about building a contender.
“This is just the beginning,” Carter said. “We’re going to shock the world.”
Indeed, they already have.
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