The 2025 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl pits the Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4) against the Duke Blue Devils (8-5) in a rematch of sorts from their 2014 Sun Bowl encounter. This Big 12 vs. ACC clash features Arizona State looking to build on a surprising season under Kenny Dillingham, while Duke, the ACC champions, aims to cap Manny Diaz’s debut year with a ninth win. Despite opt-outs, particularly on Arizona State’s side, the game promises intrigue with Duke’s balanced attack facing ASU’s resilient defense. As a neutral-site postseason event, it offers both teams a chance to end 2025 strongly.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. This 51,500-capacity open-air venue, nestled in the Franklin Mountains and home to UTEP football, has hosted the Sun Bowl since 1935, making it the second-oldest bowl game. Its unique setting provides a scenic backdrop, though the high altitude (about 3,900 feet) could subtly affect play, favoring teams with strong conditioning.
Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. MST / 1:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on CBS.
Weather Forecast
El Paso’s forecast for December 31, 2025, indicates mild winter conditions typical for the region, with highs around 57-60°F and lows in the low 30s. Expect mostly sunny skies with minimal wind (5-10 mph) and a low chance of precipitation (under 10%). The dry, high-desert climate should allow for crisp passing conditions, though cooler temperatures could favor run-heavy strategies if the game extends into the shaded afternoon.
Injury Report and Opt-Outs
Bowl attrition hits Arizona State harder, with key transfers and injuries depleting their offense and secondary. Duke has fewer absences but loses depth on the lines and in the backfield, potentially exposing them to ASU’s ground game if healthy.
- Arizona State Sun Devils:
- Out/Transfer: QB Sam Leavitt (transfer portal; season-ending injury concerns; 2,365 passing yards, 21 TDs).
- Opt-Out/Questionable: WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring; potential opt-out; team-high 1,098 receiving yards).
- Out/Transfer: S Xavion Alford (undisclosed; transfer portal).
- Out/Transfer: CB Keith Abney II, RB Raleek Brown, OL Max Iheanachor, CB Keyshaun Elliott (all transfer portal).
- Out/Transfer: OT Josh Atkins, CB Javan Robinson (transfer portal).
- Out: CB Rodney Bimage Jr. (hasn’t played since Week 12).
ASU’s quarterback situation falls to backups Jeff Sims or Cam Dyer, severely impacting their passing attack.
- Duke Blue Devils:
- Out/Opt-Out: OT Brian Parker II (NFL Draft prep).
- Out/Opt-Out: CB Chandler Rivers (NFL Draft).
- Out/Opt-Out: DE Vincent Anthony Jr. (NFL Draft).
- Questionable: LB Ben Gompers (undisclosed).
Duke’s losses affect protection and coverage, but QB Maalik Murphy and the core offense remain intact.
ASU’s extensive opt-outs (over 10 key players) could prove decisive, while Duke’s minimal absences highlight stronger program buy-in.
Key Player Matchups
With ASU’s quarterback carousel, the game may hinge on ground control and defensive opportunism. Standout battles include:
- Duke QB Maalik Murphy vs. ASU Secondary: Murphy (3,200+ passing yards, 25 TDs) leads Duke’s efficient attack and could exploit ASU’s depleted DBs (missing Alford, Abney, Robinson). If ASU can’t pressure, Murphy’s accuracy to WRs like Que’Sean Brown could rack up yards.
- ASU Backup QB (Jeff Sims/Cam Dyer) vs. Duke Pass Rush: Without Leavitt, ASU turns to unproven arms against Duke’s front (missing Anthony but still top-30 in sacks). Duke’s LBs, led by Tre Freeman, must contain ASU’s mobility to force turnovers.
- ASU RB Cam Skattebo vs. Duke Run Defense: Skattebo (1,200+ rushing yards, 12 TDs) is ASU’s workhorse, testing Duke’s front (allowing 4.1 yards per carry). Without Parker, Duke’s line could yield big runs if ASU establishes early.
- Duke RB Star Thomas vs. ASU Front Seven: Thomas (800+ yards) provides balance; ASU’s defense (top-40 against the run) must limit him to keep Duke one-dimensional.
Duke’s cohesion gives them matchup edges, but Skattebo could keep ASU competitive if the backups avoid mistakes.
Recent Team Forms
- Arizona State Sun Devils: Finished 8-4 (6-3 Big 12), starting strong but fading late. Last five: W 26-22 vs. Texas Tech (10/18), L 24-16 vs. Houston (10/25), W vs. Oklahoma State, L to Arizona, W in non-conference finale. They averaged 28 points in wins but struggled offensively in losses (under 20 points).
Form: W-L-W-L-W.
- Duke Blue Devils: Ended 8-5 (6-2 ACC), with a resilient championship run. Last five: Wins over NC State, Virginia Tech; L to Miami; W vs. Wake Forest, Virginia. They scored 30+ in four of five wins but allowed explosive plays in defeats.
Form: W-W-L-W-W.
Duke enters hotter, while ASU’s inconsistencies loom large with opt-outs.
Conference vs. Conference
This Big 12 vs. ACC matchup highlights the Big 12’s tempo against the ACC’s physicality. The Big 12 holds a 47-41 all-time edge over the ACC, including 5-3 in bowls since 2015. In 2025-26 bowls, the Big 12 is 4-5 overall, while the ACC struggles at 2-11, giving the Big 12 a slight historical nod despite recent ACC woes.
Betting Trends
- Arizona State: 13-6 ATS in last 19 games overall, but 2-1 ATS as 3+ point underdogs this season. They’ve gone over in 6 of last 8 after allowing 280+ passing yards.
- Duke: 4-1 SU in last 5, 3-2 ATS; 4-2 ATS on the road/neutral. The under has hit in 5 of their last 7 as favorites.
- General: ASU is 5-6-1 ATS overall; Duke 76th in red zone offense efficiency.
Historical Betting Results
No recent head-to-head beyond 2014 (ASU covered as +7.5 underdog). In Sun Bowl history, favorites are 6-4 ATS in the last 10; the under has hit in 7 of 10 with totals under 50. Big 12 teams are 3-2 ATS vs. ACC in bowls over five years.
Game Odds
Arizona State Sun Devils 49.5
Duke Blue Devils – 3
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
