Arizona State bolsters one of CFB’s most elite defensive secondaries for 2026 season
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The Sun Devils will have a scary productive group on the backend of its defense next fall.
Kenny Dillingham held nothing back from making sure Arizona State had ballers in the defensive secondary.
He used the NCAA transfer portal to pull in several marquee names, including three from the Southeastern Conference.
Sep 6, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Ashton Stamps (1) misses an interception intended for Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Devin Gandy (1) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils have Ashton Stamps (formerly of LSU), Caleb Chester (formerly of Texas), Jessiah McGrew (formerly of Florida International University), Lyrik Rawls (formerly of Kansas), and Antoine “AJ” Belgrave-Shorter (formerly of Penn State). Arizona State acquired two more names over the weekend — bringing its number of defensive backs to seven.
Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive backs Graceson Littleton (29) and Caleb Chester (25) react after Littleton made an interception during the second half against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Dillingham got a yes from cornerback Nigel Pringle (formerly of Arkansas) and cornerback Chance Rucker (formerly of Michigan State) to join the Sun Devils. ASU now has five cornerbacks and two safeties on the back end.
Nigel Pringle
Pringle, a native of Houston, Texas, saw time in eight games last season as a redshirt freshman.
The 6-foot-2, 177-pounder totaled two tackles. He is a former three-star recruit that played in the secondary and as a return specialist in his time at North Shore High School.
Pringle provides the Sun Devils with depth in its secondary with a chance to develop into a quality player. His length makes him a physical corner that can lock down receivers.
Chance Rucker
Michigan State’s Chance Rucker celebrates after a defensive stop against Nebraska during the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Rucker, a native of Houston, Texas, takes his talents to the valley after three seasons at Michigan State.
The Sun Devils got a player that had 31 total tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception for his career.
Rucker, who makes his entrance at 6’1″ and 179 pounds, had seven tackles, two breakup, and a quarterback hurry in 2025.
The opportunity for players to enter the portal ended Friday of last week; however, names are in the portal can still commit and transfer to new areas. It is going to be interesting to see who else can Dillingham and ASU get to add to its 25 portal additions.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
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