The Arizona State Sun Devils have built a powerful reputation in NCAA athletics through decades of excellence in both Arizona State Sun Devils football and Arizona State Sun Devils basketball. Known for passionate fans, legendary players, and memorable wins, the program continues to shape the competitive spirit of college sports while proudly representing Arizona State University.
College Sports Established
1931
Location
Tempe, Arizona
College Name
Arizona State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1931 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2024 - Present / Big 12 Conference
2010 – 2024 / PAC -12 Conference
1978 – 2010 / Pacific 10
1962 – 1978 / Western Athletic Conference
1931 – 1962 / Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Sun Devils - The Arizona State Sun Devils have been a powerhouse in the NCAA for many years. But where did their nickname come from? It turns out that the origins of this name date back to 1946 when ASU was still known as Arizona State College.
Arizona State Sun Origin
At that time, a student-run newspaper called The Statesman ran an article about how the school needed a mascot and suggested "Sun Devils." This suggestion resonated with students and faculty alike and soon became popular enough to become officially adopted by ASU in 1951.
It's believed that the sun devil is derived from another term: the maroon devil. Maroon devils were mythical creatures described as having fiery red eyes, horns on their heads, and wings like bats’ ears pointed backward at all times - they were said to bring good luck if seen during sunset or sunrise! So it makes sense why this creature would be associated with ASU; since its location is right near the desert southwest region of America where these myths originated from!
Moreover, it also ties into one of ASU's core values: innovation & creativity – which has been part of its culture since its founding in 1885. With such an iconic nickname representing them now, too - you can bet your bottom dollar that no matter what happens on game day - Go Sun Devils!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 5
1981, 1977, 1969, 1967, 1965
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1969
- 1981
- 1987
- 2002
- 2010
-
Arizona State Sun Devils football team wins their first Border Conference championship
In 1954: The Arizona State Sun Devils football team, led by head coach Dan Devine, wins their first Border Conference championship. -
Sun Devils Baseball College World Series 1969
The 1969 NCAA University Division Baseball Tournament was played at the end of the 1969 NCAA University Division baseball season to determine the national champion of college baseball. The tournament concluded with eight teams competing in the College World Series, a double-elimination tournament in its twenty-third year. Eight regional districts sent representatives to the College World Series with preliminary rounds ... -
1981 Sun Devils Baseball Champs
The 1981 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was played at the end of the 1981 NCAA Division I baseball season to determine the national champion of college baseball. The tournament concluded with eight teams competing in the College World Series, a double-elimination tournament in its thirty-fifth year. Eight regional competitions were held to determine the participants in the final event. ... -
Sun Devils football team wins their first Rose Bowl game
In 1987: The Sun Devils football team, led by quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst and head coach John Cooper, wins their first Rose Bowl game. They defeat the Michigan Wolverines 22-15, securing their first Rose Bowl victory in program history. -
The Arizona State women’s basketball team reaches the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament
In 2002: The Arizona State women’s basketball team, led by head coach Charli Turner Thorne, reaches the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
Sun Devils baseball team wins their fifth College World Series title
In 2010: The Sun Devils baseball team, coached by Tim Esmay, wins their fifth College World Series title. They defeat the University of Texas in the championship series, securing another national championship for the program.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Arizona State Sun Devils History
The Arizona State Sun Devils represent one of the most successful and storied programs in college athletics. Often competing fiercely with rivals such as the Arizona Wildcats in the Territorial Cup, the Arizona State Sun Devils football and Arizona State Sun Devils basketball programs have earned national recognition. This proud tradition continues to fuel the passion of Sun Devil fans across the country.
The Arizona State Sun Devils basketball program has built an impressive history. ASU reached 14 consecutive postseason tournaments from 1980 to 1993, including two Final Four appearances led by standout stars like Byron Scott and Fat Lever. The program also secured three Elite Eight finishes, with more recent success under coaches Herb Sendek (2006–2015) and Bobby Hurley, who restored the team’s competitive edge after a four-year postseason drought.
In Arizona State Sun Devils football, the team has a long-standing reputation for producing outstanding athletes and memorable seasons. ASU football has appeared in multiple major bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, and claimed numerous conference titles in the Pac-12. Legendary players like Jake Plummer and Pat Tillman symbolize the team’s toughness and commitment to excellence, keeping Arizona State Sun Devils football at the forefront of college athletics.
Baseball is another area of dominance for Arizona State University. The Sun Devils have reached the College World Series seven times since 1965 while claiming five national championships between 1965 and 1981. This record makes ASU second only to USC in total College World Series appearances and titles among Pac-12 schools. Notable alumni include Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, and Mike Leake, reflecting the program’s legacy of producing elite talent.
Sun Devils Achievements
The Arizona State Sun Devils have also excelled in track and field, golf, wrestling, and other varsity sports, earning numerous NCAA championships and producing countless All-Americans. This wide-ranging success highlights ASU’s commitment to athletic excellence across all disciplines, not just in Arizona State Sun Devils football or basketball.
Today, the Arizona State Sun Devils remain one of the premier programs in the NCAA. With growing achievements in Arizona State Sun Devils basketball and sustained strength in Arizona State Sun Devils football, ASU continues to cement its place among the nation’s top athletic programs, inspiring future generations of Sun Devil athletes and fans.
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