In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, where compliance with NCAA regulations is paramount and scrutiny over recruiting, NIL practices, and institutional control intensifies, the question now looms large: Could the Arizona State Sun Devils be the next program sanctioned by the NCAA and Big 12.
This assumption comes in the aftermath of disciplinary action against the Arizona Wildcats and BYU Cougars, two teams that were recently penalized for recruiting infractions, a lack of institutional control, and violations of name, image, and likeness (NIL) protocols. As the NCAA focuses on uniformity in enforcement, Arizona State’s athletic department is now under scrutiny.
A program in the spotlight
Arizona State University (ASU) has had a difficult few years, particularly in the football program. Under former head coach Herm Edwards, the Sun Devils were previously investigated by the NCAA for recruiting breaches during the COVID-19 dead period. The investigation revealed that multiple recruits were allegedly brought on campus despite national limits, and that ASU held workouts in violation of NCAA rules.
While that probe resulted in internal adjustments like as staff exits and enhanced compliance processes, many in the college scene fear the aftermath may not be done. With Arizona and BYU just facing the music, the NCAA and Big 12 may now turn to Arizona State to see whether any outstanding issues remain unaddressed.
Conference Realignment Adds Pressure.
With ASU formally entering the Big 12 Conference in the 2024-25 athletic season, any unsolved issues or ongoing investigations may become a problem not only for the school, but for the conference as a whole. In response to increased media attention and stakeholder pressure, the Big 12 has taken a tougher stance on safeguarding the reputations of its programs.
The Big 12 and NCAA officials must now determine whether ASU has done enough to right past wrongs and adopt improvements to ensure long-term compliance. Sanctions may be imposed if the investigations resurface or if new evidence of NIL breaches, inducements, or recruiting misconduct emerges.
NIL and Unseen Risks
While NIL agreements have transformed college athletics and empowered student-athletes, they have also generated ambiguities that colleges must handle with caution. According to reports from various insiders, ASU is keeping a close eye on any illegal NIL-related connections through third-party collectives, as well as potential inducements related to player recruitment and retention.
The NCAA has demonstrated a willingness to prosecute programs that fail to enforce these restrictions retrospectively, and ASU may find itself caught up in that wave if any irregularities are discovered.
What Happens Next?
The extent and credibility of any potential discoveries will determine whether Arizona State faces official sanctions. University leaders have publicly stated their newfound commitment to openness and compliance, and the institution has recently strengthened its internal athletic monitoring processes.
Still, with the NCAA and Big 12 attempting to make examples of struggling member institutions, Arizona State’s historical issues, along with the broader backdrop of enforcement, pose severe concerns. As the dust settles on the Arizona and BYU trials, the Sun Devils may need to prepare for what comes next.
Could they become the next domino to fall? Only time—and the NCAA—will tell.