Breaking: NCAA Hits Sun Devils Football with Penalty for Rule Violation — Team to Pay Financial Penalty
Tempe, AZ — May 21, 2025
The NCAA has issued disciplinary action against Arizona State University’s Sun Devils football program, citing multiple rule violations related to impermissible recruiting practices during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The program has been fined $100,000 and hit with additional penalties, including scholarship reductions and restricted recruiting activities.
According to an NCAA report released Tuesday morning, the violations include unauthorized contact with high school prospects during a designated quiet period, hosting recruits for on-campus visits that were not properly reported, and the use of a booster to facilitate illegal benefits.
The NCAA’s official statement reads:
“Arizona State University’s football program demonstrated a lack of institutional control and failed to uphold recruiting standards that are critical to ensuring fair competition. As a result, the Committee on Infractions has imposed financial and competitive penalties.”
In addition to the fine, ASU will lose five official visits for the 2025-26 recruiting cycle and must forfeit two scholarships over the next two seasons. The university has also been placed on probation for 18 months, and the program must undergo compliance training and external auditing.
ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson responded to the ruling in a press release:
“We take full responsibility for the violations cited by the NCAA. While we are disappointed, we are committed to rebuilding trust through transparency and strict adherence to all NCAA rules moving forward.”
The ruling follows a turbulent period for the Sun Devils football program, which has faced intense scrutiny since the departure of former head coach Herm Edwards. The current staff, led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, was not directly implicated in the violations but will now be responsible for managing the fallout and restoring the program’s image.