JUST IN: ASU Legend Jake Plummer Drops Powerful Message for Sun Devils After Game-Changing Big 12 Decision
Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship matchup with Iowa State marks the program’s most significant opportunity in decades — a chance to secure a College Football Playoff berth and contend for a national title.
This game is arguably ASU’s biggest since the 1996 Rose Bowl. Former Sun Devils quarterback Jake Plummer, who led that title-contending team, has been following this season with great enthusiasm. He hasn’t felt this excited about ASU football since Idaho-native Taylor Kelly was winning games in the early 2010s.
On the eve of the championship, Plummer joined Arizona Sports’ Devils Go to Dallas special, offering words of wisdom to the players ahead of the biggest game of their careers.
“This team has matured a lot and understands the position they’ve earned by winning these games,” Plummer said. “Nothing changes now. Go out and play this game like any other. You’re playing Iowa State for the Big 12 championship — what an awesome opportunity! Don’t look past that. Take care of business, play hard for each other, push through the ups and downs, and keep fighting. You win this, and the real fun begins.”
“There could be a bigger game ahead. At the Rose Bowl, we didn’t have anything beyond that… We knew winning meant being outright national champs, so it was massive,” Jake Plummer reflected. “This is still a huge game. Predicted to finish last in the Big 12, and now they’re playing for the championship. Don’t settle for just being here — go out and prove to the world you belong.”
Plummer has observed the team closely, including during spring practices when redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer, caught his attention. Plummer noted similarities between their playing styles, emphasizing Leavitt’s intensity and competitiveness. He even admitted Leavitt is more advanced as a freshman than he was back in 1993.
Jake Plummer praised quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Cam Skattebo for setting the competitive tone for Arizona State’s football team. He also credited head coach Kenny Dillingham for fostering a strong culture built on authenticity and selflessness.
Plummer highlighted Dillingham’s leadership, noting his decision to share his bonuses with his staff as a testament to his character. “He’s living his dream job, putting in all the energy and effort,” Plummer said. “Even with so many new players, he’s created a culture where they play for each other, and that’s what really matters.”
The former ASU All-American also appreciated Dillingham’s outreach to Sun Devil alumni from all eras. “He’s pushing hard to get alumni back, not just from the good teams, but anyone who ever wore a Sun Devil uniform. He’s making it genuine, and it’s great to see.”
ASU faces Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday at 10 a.m. MST. Catch the game on ABC, with radio coverage on 98.7 FM, the Arizona Sports app, or online, starting with the pregame show at 7 a.m.