Phoenix, AZ, January 2, 2026
Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims announces his decision to enter the NFL draft, marking the end of his collegiate journey. His impressive performance in the 2025 season includes a completion rate of 71.1% and 1,261 passing yards, showcasing his potential as a professional athlete. This development highlights Arizona State’s commitment to developing talent for the NFL, as the Sun Devils continue to perform well across various sports, enhancing their reputation in the Phoenix sports landscape.
Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona State University athletic landscape is abuzz with significant developments as quarterback Jeff Sims formally concludes his collegiate career, setting his sights on the professional ranks. This move, announced via a heartfelt social media message, marks a pivotal moment for Sun Devil football and highlights the continuous churn of talent through elite university programs.
Sims’s decision to enter the NFL draft, along with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s similar declaration, underscores Arizona State’s role in developing athletes ready for the next level. While the football program navigates these transitions, other Sun Devil sports are demonstrating robust performance and community engagement, contributing to the vibrant Phoenix AZ sports scene.
Sims’s Collegiate Farewell and NFL Aspirations
Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims recently bid farewell to the program, signaling his intent to enter the NFL draft. In a reflective message shared on social media, Sims expressed profound gratitude to his teammates, coaches, fans, and previous alma maters, acknowledging his journey and personal growth, which he attributed to his faith. Sims’s departure follows a 2025 season where he stepped into a more prominent role due to injuries, delivering a breakout performance.
During the 2025 campaign, Sims completed 71.1% of his passes for 1,261 yards, throwing 10 touchdowns against six interceptions. His final game, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, saw him deliver what was arguably the best performance of his collegiate career, further cementing his potential as a professional prospect. Notably, Sims also etched his name in the Sun Devil record books by achieving 228 rushing yards in a single game during a 24-19 victory. This blend of passing efficiency and dynamic rushing ability positions him as an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts.
Impact on Phoenix and Arizona State Athletics
The departure of key players like Jeff Sims and Jordyn Tyson to the NFL draft is a testament to the quality of athletic development fostered within Arizona State athletics. Such transitions are integral to the cycle of collegiate sports, showcasing the university’s capacity to prepare young men for the demanding world of professional sports. For Phoenix, AZ, and the broader state, the success of ASU athletes in making the leap to the NFL reinforces the region’s standing as a hub for emerging sports talent, drawing national attention and fostering community pride.
The Sun Devil football program, under the guidance of Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, who recently signed a five-year contract extension averaging $7.5 million per season, is poised for continued growth. Despite closing the 2025 season with a two-game losing streak, including the Sun Bowl defeat, there is a palpable sense of optimism for the 2026 campaign. This forward-looking perspective is crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring that the program remains a cornerstone of college football in Phoenix.
Cultivating Future Talent and Program Stability
With Sims moving on, the focus shifts to the next generation of Arizona State quarterbacks. Freshman Cameron Dyer, who served as Sims’s backup in the Sun Bowl, is anticipated to play a significant role in the upcoming spring quarterback battle. The program also saw incoming freshman Jake Fette, a top-10 quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, participate in recent practices, signaling a commitment to long-term talent cultivation. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining competitive excellence through diligent player development and strategic recruitment.
The emphasis on nurturing talent from within, alongside attracting promising recruits, exemplifies a self-reliant approach to program building. This strategy not only supports sustained athletic success but also provides valuable life lessons in perseverance and competition for student-athletes. Such efforts, often bolstered by private investment and community support, are vital for university programs striving for consistent achievement.
Broader Sun Devil Success and Community Engagement
Beyond the gridiron, Arizona State’s athletic programs continue to thrive and engage the community. The Sun Devil women’s basketball team is off to an impressive start, boasting a 15-0 overall record and a 2-0 record in Big 12 play. They recently secured a 69-68 victory over the Utah Utes and will face BYU on January 2, 2026. Their strong performance, averaging 70.1 points per game and holding an 11-0 record when winning the turnover battle, showcases competitive prowess.
The men’s basketball team also commences its Big 12 conference play on January 3, 2026, against Colorado at Desert Financial Arena. Led by senior guard Moe Odom, who averages 16.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, the team holds a 9-4 record. In swimming, the commitment of Junior National qualifier Landon Hall for Fall 2027 further highlights the university’s ability to attract top talent across various sports. These diverse successes contribute significantly to the dynamic sports culture and robust economic activity within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Looking Ahead: A Culture of Achievement
Arizona State athletics is clearly demonstrating a commitment to excellence, not just on the field and court, but also in developing individuals ready for the challenges of life and professional careers. The transition of Jeff Sims and Jordyn Tyson to pursue NFL aspirations serves as an inspiration, showcasing the rewards of dedication and hard work within a supportive institutional framework. As the university continues to invest in its programs and foster a competitive environment, the benefits ripple throughout the community, reinforcing civic pride and stimulating local economic growth. We encourage all Sun Devil enthusiasts and local sports fans to stay engaged with Arizona State athletics, supporting the student-athletes who represent our community with such distinction. For updates on upcoming games and events, visit the official Sun Devil Athletics platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are Arizona State QB Jeff Sims’s future plans? Arizona State QB Jeff Sims is closing his collegiate career and signaling his decision to enter the NFL draft.
- How did Jeff Sims perform in the 2025 season? In 2025, Jeff Sims threw for 1,261 yards, completed 71.1% of his passes, totaling 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
- Which other Arizona State player is pursuing the NFL draft? Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has also announced his intention to pursue the NFL draft.
- What is the current record for Arizona State women’s basketball? The Arizona State women’s basketball team has a 15-0 overall record and a 2-0 record in Big 12 play.
- When does Arizona State men’s basketball begin Big 12 play? Arizona State men’s basketball begins Big 12 conference play on January 3, 2026, against Colorado.
FAQ Schema
Arizona State Athletics Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| QB Jeff Sims’s 2025 Passing Stats | 1,261 yards, 71.1% completion, 10 TDs, 6 INTs |
| QB Jeff Sims’s Rushing Record | 228 rushing yards in a single game (program record) |
| Sims’s Post-Collegiate Plans | Entering NFL Draft |
| Other NFL Declarant | WR Jordyn Tyson |
| Head Coach Kenny Dillingham Contract | 5-year extension, $7.5 million average per season |
| Women’s Basketball Current Record | 15-0 overall, 2-0 Big 12 |
| Women’s Basketball Turnover Battle Record | 11-0 when winning turnover battle |
| Men’s Basketball Current Record | 9-4 overall |
| Men’s Basketball Big 12 Start | January 3, 2026 vs. Colorado |
| Men’s Basketball Leading Scorer/Assister | Moe Odom (16.2 PPG, 6.2 APG) |
| Swimming & Diving Commitment | Landon Hall (2027) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
