Pete Thamel provides a NIL reality check for Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State

Kenny Dillingham has thrived during his tenure as Arizona State’s head coach. The Sun Devils head coach is the reigning SEC Coach of the Year. However, Dillingham and the rest of the Arizona State program will enter 2026 without their star quarterback.

Pete Thamel, a college football expert, gave Dillingham and his troops a NIL reality check.

“Kenny has limited resources and is watching his players get sidetracked by bigger schools. He turned Sam Leavitt into a potential first-round QB, and now Leavitt is leaving ASU because the school can’t afford to keep him.”

“Kenny wouldn’t face those barriers at Michigan.”

Sam Leavitt announced his intentions to enter the transfer window on December 9, 2025. It marked the end of his two-season stint with the Sun Devils.

The general consensus is that Sam Leavitt is leaving to make more NIL money. He has since been linked with the Oregon Ducks, Indiana Hoosiers, Miami Hurricanes and LSU Tigers.

Kenny Dillingham linked with Michigan job

The Michigan Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore for cause on December 10, 2025. It leaves a huge void at the head coaching position going into the 2026 season.

Kenny Dillingham has been one of the biggest names related to work. The Big 12 Coach of the Year winner’s work with the Sun Devils has rightfully earned praise.

Additionally, Sports Illustrated reports that Dillingham used his post-practice media availability Tuesday to lobby Arizona State’s top decision-makers to commit more to the program. Kenny Dillingham was asked about the overall roster turnover from year to year, particularly at the quarterback position.

Contract talks between Dillingham and Arizona State are expected in the coming weeks. The Sun Devils will look to keep their beloved head coach long-term. As for the Michigan Wolverines, they have a Citrus Bowl game against the Texas Longhorns to prepare for. They will then commit to finding a full-time head coach to continue the work done by Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore.