Arizona State University has made an emphatic statement early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, positioning itself as a serious destination for elite quarterback talent. The Sun Devils kicked off their efforts by securing a commitment from Weston Nielsen, a highly-regarded four-star quarterback prospect from Texas. This initial victory, however, appears to be just the beginning of head coach Kenny Dillingham's ambitious plans to stockpile talent at the most critical position on the field.
Under Dillingham's leadership, Arizona State has developed a reputation as a program that understands quarterback development. The Sun Devils have successfully attracted promising signal-callers such as Cutter Boley, Cameron Dyer, and Jake Fette in recent cycles, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify and secure players who fit their offensive system. This track record has given the coaching staff credibility in recruiting circles and has positioned ASU as an attractive option for quarterbacks seeking both development and opportunity.
The commitment of Nielsen would typically signal that a program has filled its quarterback quota for that recruiting class. Most teams aim to bring in one quarterback per cycle to maintain roster balance. However, sources suggest that Dillingham and his staff are not content to rest on their laurels. Instead, they are actively exploring the possibility of adding a second quarterback to their 2027 class, a move that would be ambitious but not unprecedented.
According to Steve Wiltfong, a respected national recruiting analyst for Rivals, Arizona State has identified two additional four-star quarterbacks as viable targets: Sione Kaho and Dane Weber. Both prospects bring unique skill sets and backgrounds, representing different challenges for the Sun Devils' recruiting efforts.
Sione Kaho: The Washington Product
Sione Kaho has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects in the Pacific Northwest, playing at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington. Rivals ranks him as the No. 274 overall player in the 2027 class, placing him at No. 19 among quarterbacks nationally and No. 2 in Washington.
These rankings reflect Kaho's considerable potential. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism makes him a dual-threat option capable of executing various offensive schemes. For Arizona State, which values versatility and quarterback mobility, Kaho would be an excellent fit.
However, the path to securing Kaho's commitment is challenging. Wiltfong identifies the University of Washington as the clear frontrunner, which makes sense given the geographical connections. The Huskies can offer Kaho the opportunity to stay close to home, play in front of family and friends, and represent his home state.
Despite the uphill battle, the Sun Devils remain in the conversation. Wiltfong notes that Arizona State is among a select group of schools still being considered, alongside Oregon, Stanford, and Duke. This exclusive list speaks to Kaho's interest in strong academic institutions with solid football programs.
For Sun Devils fans, Kaho represents a long-shot prospect, but his continued interest shouldn't be dismissed. Dillingham's offensive acumen and track record of developing quarterbacks could be compelling selling points. While Washington remains the team to beat, Arizona State's persistence demonstrates their ambition.
Dane Weber: The California Connection
Dane Weber presents a more accessible opportunity for Arizona State. Weber plays at Chaparral High School in Temecula, California, but has strong ties to Arizona. According to Wiltfong, Weber is originally from Phoenix, giving Arizona State a hometown advantage.
Rivals ranks Weber as the No. 356 overall player in the 2027 class, placing him at No. 24 among quarterbacks and No. 35 in California. These rankings place Weber firmly in the four-star category, indicating he possesses the tools necessary to succeed at the Power Five level.
The recruitment landscape appears more favorable for Arizona State. Wiltfong identifies Kansas and Cincinnati as the current top two schools, with the Sun Devils close behind. This positioning suggests Arizona State has made a strong impression on Weber and his family.
The hometown connection cannot be overstated. For a player who spent his formative years in Phoenix, the opportunity to return home and represent the state's flagship university likely holds significant appeal. Arizona State can offer Weber the chance to play in familiar surroundings and become the face of a program on the rise.
Moreover, Arizona State's need for quarterback depth could work in their favor. While pleased with Nielsen's commitment, the reality of modern college football is that quarterback depth is a necessity, not a luxury. Injuries, transfers, and unexpected departures can quickly deplete a position group. Weber would provide insurance for the future and create healthy competition within the quarterback room.
Strategic Implications
The decision to pursue multiple quarterbacks reflects a broader strategic approach common in the transfer portal era. With quarterback movement at an all-time high, programs cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket. By bringing in two talented prospects in 2027, Arizona State would create a built-in insurance policy.
Coach Dillingham's aggressive approach sends a message: Arizona State intends to compete at the highest level and will not be passive in its pursuit of elite talent. This mindset is essential for a program seeking to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Pac-12 and beyond.
The pursuit of Kaho and Weber also demonstrates Arizona State's expanded recruiting footprint. While the Sun Devils have traditionally focused on the Southwest, their interest in prospects from Washington and California shows a willingness to cast a wider net. This geographical diversification is crucial for programs aspiring to national relevance.
The Road Ahead
As the 2027 recruiting cycle unfolds, Arizona State's quarterback situation will be intriguing to follow. The Sun Devils have already accomplished the primary objective by securing Nielsen's commitment. That alone would constitute a successful recruiting cycle.
However, adding either Kaho or Weber would elevate this class from good to exceptional. Landing Kaho would represent a major upset over Washington, while securing Weber would capitalize on the hometown connection and provide valuable depth.
The reality is that Arizona State likely cannot land both prospects, and they may not land either. Nielsen's commitment means some quarterbacks may view ASU as less attractive due to perceived competition. Additionally, programs like Washington, Kansas, and Cincinnati are formidable competitors.
What seems certain is that Dillingham and his staff will continue evaluating both situations carefully, allocating time and resources to maximize their chances of success. They will weigh the likelihood of landing each prospect against the effort required.
For Sun Devils fans, the message is clear: the program is thinking big. Whether Arizona State ultimately adds a second quarterback to the 2027 class or not, being in contention for multiple four-star prospects is a testament to the program's upward trajectory under Dillingham's leadership. In the hyper-competitive world of college football recruiting, being in the conversation is often the first step toward being on the podium.
As commitments are made, all eyes will be on Tempe to see how this quarterback puzzle fits together. One thing is certain: the Sun Devils are not content with mediocrity, and their pursuit of elite quarterback talent reflects a program with championship aspirations.