Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham faces a huge “structural” gap in the Sun Devils’ offensive identity with the departure of standout wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for the NFL. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham faces a huge “structural” gap in the Sun Devils’ offensive identity with the departure of standout wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for the NFL. And even though the squad won a huge Big 12 championship in 2024, spring workouts in 2026 have brought attention to an important question: Do the Sun Devils have a real No. 3 receiver, or even a clear hierarchy behind their expected starters? And even though the squad won a huge Big 12 championship in 2024, spring workouts in 2026 have brought attention to an important question: Do the Sun Devils have a real No. 3 receiver, or even a clear hierarchy behind their expected starters?
The Problem of Structure.
Dillingham’s “structural concerns” probably refer to the loss of Jordyn Tyson, a special talent who was the gravitational force for the offense. In modern spread systems, such as Dillingham’s, the “No. 3” is often the player who exploits the space created by the primary threats, not merely the third player on the depth chart. If you don’t have a reliable third option to keep the opponents honest, the entire offensive geometry changes and secondaries can double-team established threats like Omarion Miller.
Applicants for the Position
The Sun Devils don’t have proven production, but they don’t lack for raw talent. Several possible solutions have been raised for Dillingham’s problems:
Reed Harris: Dillingham often lauds Harris for his work ethic and route-running, and Harris is a strong candidate to take on a bigger role.
Raiden Vines-Bright: The “sleeper” many believe can solve the depth problem, Vines-Bright is a dynamic playmaker that flashed in the spring.
Jaren Hamilton: Hamilton has not seen much action in the past, and he’s being watched closely to see if he can provide the veteran dependability the “No. 3” position requires.
Effect on the quarterback competition
The ongoing competition at quarterback between Cutter Boley and Mikey Keene is complicated by this structural fragility. A quarterback’s best friend is a reliable third-down weapon who can find the “holes” in the zone. So the wide receiver room is still top-heavy and it may force Dillingham to lean on tight ends like Khamari Anderson or the versatile running back Kyson Brown to step in. This would fundamentally change the “structure” of the throw game.
Looking Ahead
The long-term outlook is positive, wide receivers coach Hines Ward is on the prowl for the next wave of elite players. But the Sun Devils need to find an internal fix quickly for the 2026 campaign. The search for a “true No. 3” will probably determine how well the Sun Devils are able to defend their Big 12 title, whether it’s a breakout from a young player like Vines-Bright or a schematic shift from Dillingham.
