Arizona State and Duke Set Records in Thrilling Sun Bowl Showdown

The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl delivered an exhilarating football spectacle in El Paso, Texas, as the Arizona State Sun Devils faced off against the Duke Blue Devils on December 31, 2025. In a nail-biting finish, Duke secured a 42-39 victory, while both teams set multiple records throughout the high-scoring encounter.

Record-Setting Performance

The performance of Arizona State was particularly noteworthy, as the team amassed 619 total yards, marking the highest yardage recorded by any team in Sun Bowl history. Leading the charge was sixth-year senior quarterback Jeff Sims, who threw for 375 yards, likely concluding his collegiate career on a high note. The Sun Devils also contributed 244 rushing yards, with freshman running back Jason Brown Jr. making a significant impact by rushing for 120 yards in just his second career game.

Duke’s offense matched Arizona State’s intensity, recording 539 total yards in the process. Quarterback Darian Mensah showcased his talents with 327 passing yards, his best performance since November 1 against the Clemson Tigers. Collectively, the teams generated an astounding 1,158 yards of total offense, setting a new Sun Bowl record.

Historic Scoring and Individual Achievements

The 81 points scored by both teams ranks as the third highest in Sun Bowl history, only surpassed by the 88 points achieved in the 2005 matchup between UCLA and Northwestern. Additionally, Duke receiver Que’Sean Brown made his mark on the game, accumulating 178 receiving yards, which stands as the fifth most in the history of the bowl game.

With this victory, Duke not only celebrated a thrilling win but also finished the season with nine victories, achieving this milestone for the third time in the last four years. The Sun Devils, despite the loss, demonstrated remarkable offensive capabilities, leaving fans eager for future matchups.

As the Sun Bowl successfully concluded, attention now turns to the future of this storied event. The game is currently seeking a new main sponsor, with the bidding process anticipated to be competitive as the bowl prepares for the 2026 season.

The thrilling Sun Bowl showdown highlighted the excitement of college football and set a high standard for future bowl games. Fans and players alike will remember this clash as a remarkable chapter in the history of the Sun Bowl.