BREAKING: Arizona State Sun Devils Star Running Back Cameron Skattebo Stuns Head Coach Kenny Dillingham With Major Announcement Concerning NFL Draft Departure
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves throughout the Arizona State University football program, star running back Cameron Skattebo announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The announcement, which came as a surprise to many, particularly head coach Kenny Dillingham, marks a major turning point for the Sun Devils as they approach a new chapter in their football journey.
Skattebo, a breakout star in the Sun Devils’ offense, had been a key figure for the team in the past season, showcasing his explosive running style, remarkable vision, and leadership on and off the field. His decision to leave college early is a bold move, one that many pundits had anticipated but still believed might be a few years away. However, the talented running back made it clear that his time at Arizona State had come to an end, and he was ready to take the next step toward his professional career.
Over the course of the last season, Skattebo proved himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in college football. His impressive stats — racking up over 1,200 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, and adding several key receptions in the passing game — earned him national attention and placed him squarely on the NFL radar. His combination of speed, agility, and strength made him a constant threat, and he quickly became the centerpiece of the Sun Devils’ offensive scheme under Dillingham’s coaching staff.
Skattebo’s growth as a player was palpable, as he emerged as a reliable workhorse and proved capable of carrying the team during moments of adversity. His ability to break off long runs and shift the momentum of games made him a fan favorite and a key asset to Arizona State’s success.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham, who had built the offense around Skattebo’s talents, was caught off guard by the announcement. Speaking to reporters after the news broke, Dillingham expressed both his support for Skattebo’s decision and his surprise at the timing.
“I’m shocked, honestly,” Dillingham said. “Cameron is an incredibly talented young man, and we all know that he has a bright future ahead of him. But I truly thought he would stay with us for another year to continue developing and help us take this program to new heights. It’s certainly a huge loss for our offense and the team as a whole.”
Despite his initial shock, Dillingham went on to wish Skattebo nothing but success as he embarks on his NFL journey. “We support Cameron in whatever decision he makes,” Dillingham continued. “At the end of the day, this is a business, and he’s doing what’s best for his future. We’ll always be grateful for what he did for this program.”
The loss of Skattebo leaves a significant void in the Sun Devils’ offense, and now Dillingham and his coaching staff will have to find a way to replace one of the most electrifying players in college football. Arizona State has a number of talented players on the roster, but none have yet proven they can fill the shoes of Skattebo, especially at a time when the team is looking to make strides in the competitive Pac-12 conference.
Skattebo’s departure is also a sign of the changing landscape of college football, where more and more players are opting to leave school early to pursue NFL opportunities. While this has become a common trend, it’s still a difficult pill for programs like Arizona State to swallow, especially after building their future around a player of Skattebo’s caliber.
As Skattebo prepares for the NFL Draft, his decision to leave Arizona State has ignited conversations across the college football landscape. Experts predict that he will be a highly sought-after prospect, with many projecting him as a first- or second-round pick depending on how he performs during the pre-draft process. Skattebo’s decision is expected to have a lasting impact on both his future and the Sun Devils’ program as they move forward without one of their most promising stars.
For Arizona State, the focus will now shift to regrouping and moving on from the departure of one of the program’s top playmakers. With a new chapter beginning for both Skattebo and the Sun Devils, all eyes will be on the NFL Draft to see just where the former ASU star will land — and what the future holds for the Arizona State football program.
