Dillingham says there’s “no update” on quarterback battle

TEMPE, Ariz. — One of the biggest things to watch with Arizona State football this fall is the quarterback battle. Returning starter Trenton Bourguet is competing with incoming freshman Jaden Rashada as well as Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne. Pyne suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday which throws a curve ball into the competition.

Dillingham gives an update on the QB competition

During a Wednesday scrimmage, both Bourguet and Rashada were in action. Bourguet looked promising completing roughly 50% of his passes and in the scrimmage environment, he had two passing touchdowns. Rashada threw one touchdown to WR Elijhah Badger. Rashada completed a little under 30% of his passes.

All stats were hand tracked by Sun Devily Daily staff members.

After practice, Dillingham addressed the media about the ongoing quarterback competition.

“It’s taking shape, yeah it’s taking shape,” Dillingham said. “No update, but it’s taking shape, that’s for sure. Different shapes, depending on the day, depending on the play, but there are definitely shapes being created,” he joked.

In true @KennyDillingham fashion he puts a twist on how the QB battle is going. He said it is taking shape, multiple shapes, but wouldn’t give an update on who the starter would be. #ASU #Forksup pic.twitter.com/a1yTdqztAV

— Sun Devil Daily (@SunDevilDaily) August 16, 2023

The options at quarterback

Last season Bourguet acted as the Sun Devils’ savior against No. 21 Washington in his debut. He finished the season with 1,490 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had the 38th-best QBR in the country, not bad at all for a former walk-on.

On the other hand, Rashada is a highly touted true freshman, and he certainly looks the part. The California native was a top-50 prospect in the nation according to 247 Sports and stands at 6’4. He uses his size to his advantage and has a throwing motion that looks like it’s straight out of the NFL.

The biggest challenge for the freshman has been the mental aspect and learning the playbook and Dillingham addressed that earlier this week.

Pyne is a sophomore transfer from Notre Dame. In his freshman season with the Irish, Pyne threw over 2,000 yards and had 22 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions.

Every day each of them are fighting for the starting job and it’s unclear when Dillingham will name a starter.

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