The Arizona State Sun Devils are coming off a 23-7 loss to the Arizona Wildcats to close out their regular season. They will close out the 8-4 season against the Duke Blue Devils today in the Sun Bowl. Meanwhile, Duke is 8-5 this season and is coming off a 27-20 overtime win over Virginia on Dec. 6, which secured their eighth ACC title.
Today’s game marks the 92nd Sun Bowl and serves as a rematch of the 2014 meeting, when Arizona State edged Duke 36-3 in the only prior matchup between the programs. The Sun Devils hold a 4-2-1 record in the Sun Bowl.
Arizona State Sun Devils Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson are traveling with the team, but neither will suit up after declaring for the NFL Draft.
Abney closed the regular season as the FBS leader among cornerbacks in coverage snaps without surrendering a touchdown (458), per PFF, while also ranking No. 4 in the PFSN College Football CB Impact Metric. Meanwhile, Tyson totaled 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in only nine games this year, earning a No. 23 ranking in the PFSN CFB WR Impact Metric.
Running back Raleek Brown has also declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Sun Bowl.
Arizona State insider Chris Karpman reported that roughly 35 players on the Sun Devils’ roster will miss the Sun Bowl, largely because of injuries, with opt-outs and transfers further thinning the group. Karpman added that the cornerback and running back positions will be especially depleted.
Besides Abney II and Tyson, other key absences include linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, left tackle Josh Atkins, cornerback Javan Robinson, and right tackle Max Iheanachor.
Duke Blue Devils Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Duke head coach Manny Diaz said on Dec. 18 that cornerback Chandler Rivers was not practicing with the team during bowl preparation as he gets ready for the 2026 NFL Draft. Rivers wrapped up his career with 223 total tackles, 36 pass breakups, 16 tackles for loss, and seven interceptions.
Diaz also announced that two more Duke players would not be participating: defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. and offensive lineman Brian Parker II, both of whom are also preparing for the draft.
A positive update for Duke is that Darian Mensah confirmed he will return to the Blue Devils in 2026. He guided the ACC’s highest-scoring offense and second-ranked passing attack, recording 3,646 passing yards and 30 touchdowns to lead the conference.
How to Watch the Sun Bowl
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Place: Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas
- TV: CBS
Brad Nessler will handle play-by-play duties for the Sun Bowl game, with Gary Danielson serving as the analyst and Jenny Dell reporting from the sidelines.
Fans can also stream the game on Paramount+ or on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
