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Arizona State Running Back Room Poised for Intense 2026 Competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 11:58 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Future is Fast: Arizona State’s Running Back Room Poised for Intense Competition in 2026
Arizona State University's football program, currently navigating significant changes under head coach Kenny Dillingham, has a surprisingly bright spot brewing at the running back position. While the present roster faces challenges and adjustments within the new Pac-4 Conference landscape (formerly the Big 12), the future – specifically the 2026 season – promises an exciting and potentially explosive competition for carries in Tempe. According to a recent Sports Illustrated article by Brad Wells, ASU’s running back room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing position battles on the team, fueled by talent, potential, and a clear desire among several players to establish themselves as the guy.
The current situation stems from a combination of factors: attrition within the program, strategic recruiting efforts, and the development of young players already on the roster. ASU has seen departures at running back in recent years, creating opportunities for those vying for playing time. Dillingham’s coaching philosophy emphasizes competition across all positions, fostering an environment where performance dictates opportunity – a key element driving this upcoming battle.
The Contenders: A Deep and Diverse Group
The article highlights four primary contenders for the lead running back role in 2026: Rahmell Elzy, Javion Banks, Isabella “Izzy” Smith, and incoming freshman Malik Edwards. Each brings a unique skillset to the table, making predicting a clear frontrunner difficult.
Rahmell Elzy: Currently a sophomore (redshirt), Elzy is arguably the most experienced of the group. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, demonstrating good vision and burst through the line. The article notes that he possesses a "reliable" quality – consistently showing up and executing assignments. However, he'll need to elevate his overall production and physicality to truly claim the top spot.
Javion Banks: A junior, Banks is described as possessing exceptional speed and elusiveness. He’s a dynamic playmaker with the potential to break off long runs at any moment. However, consistency has been an issue for Banks in the past; he needs to demonstrate improved decision-making and ball security to earn significant carries. His ability to contribute on special teams also adds value.
Isabella “Izzy” Smith: The inclusion of Izzy Smith is a particularly noteworthy aspect of this competition. Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, is a rising sophomore with impressive speed and agility. They’ve garnered attention for their unique running style and potential to be a game-changer. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue and underscores ASU's commitment to diversity and inclusion within its program. The article emphasizes that Smith's development will be closely watched by coaches and fans alike, as they represent a significant upside player.
Malik Edwards: The highly touted freshman recruit, Edwards, is generating considerable buzz. He’s described as possessing a powerful running style and exceptional strength for his size. Edwards has the potential to contribute immediately, but will need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of college football. His arrival intensifies the competition and adds another element of unpredictability to the mix.
Beyond Talent: The Coaching Influence & System Fit
The article emphasizes that talent alone won't determine who emerges as the lead back. Coach Dillingham’s offensive system, which prioritizes a balanced attack with opportunities for multiple backs, will play a crucial role. He prefers a committee approach, meaning carries are likely to be distributed among several players rather than relying on one dominant rusher. However, within that committee, certain players will undoubtedly receive more opportunities based on performance and situational effectiveness.
Dillingham’s coaching staff is focused on developing each player's strengths while addressing their weaknesses. They are also evaluating how each back fits into the overall offensive scheme – whether they excel in inside runs, outside zone plays, or as a receiving threat out of the backfield. The article suggests that versatility will be highly valued.
The Bigger Picture: Rebuilding and Hope for ASU Football
This running back competition isn't just about who carries the ball; it’s symbolic of the broader rebuilding effort underway at Arizona State. After years of inconsistency and off-field issues, Dillingham is attempting to instill a culture of accountability, competitiveness, and player development. The depth and talent in the running back room provide a tangible sign of progress – demonstrating that ASU can attract and cultivate high-level athletes.
The article concludes by suggesting that this competition will be one to watch closely as the 2026 season approaches. It’s not just about identifying a starting running back; it's about witnessing the evolution of a program striving for resurgence, fueled by the energy and potential of its young players. The intensity of the battle itself promises exciting football and offers a glimpse into a potentially brighter future for Arizona State football.
I hope this summary accurately captures the essence of the Sports Illustrated article! Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further elaboration on specific points.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/why-asu-sun-devils-2026-running-back-competition-intriguing- ]
