The Arizona State Sun Devils have addressed a critical need in their kicking game by securing the commitment of Jesús Gómez, a standout placekicker from Eastern Michigan, through the transfer portal. Gómez, who visited Tempe over the weekend, brings a proven record of success and has at least one season of eligibility remaining.
Arizona State’s kicking struggles were a glaring issue this season, finishing last in the Big 12 with a field goal conversion rate of just 53% (9 of 17). The Sun Devils struggled on attempts beyond 30 yards, converting only 5 of 12. The problem was so severe that head coach Kenny Dillingham held open tryouts for walk-on students after a 24-14 loss to Cincinnati. Despite these efforts, no additions were made to the roster.
Ironically, Gómez’s journey to Arizona State comes full circle. On September 17, 2022, then a redshirt freshman at Eastern Michigan, Gómez delivered a standout performance in Tempe, making three field goals in a 30-21 upset over the Sun Devils. That loss was pivotal, leading to the dismissal of then-ASU head coach Herm Edwards. Now, Gomez is set to join the Sun Devils under the new coaching regime that replaced Edwards.
Gómez, a senior from Puebla, Mexico, ended his Eastern Michigan career with an impressive resume. He converted 40 of 47 field goals from inside 50 yards and six of 11 from beyond, including a career-long 57-yarder. During the 2024 season, he made 20 of 25 attempts, with two of his misses coming from over 50 yards, and was nearly perfect on extra points, going 27 of 29. His success was built on a strong foundation at Eastern Michigan, where he redshirted in 2021 behind current Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland.
Several factors influenced Gomez’s decision to join Arizona State. He noted that the large Hispanic community in the Phoenix area and the favorable kicking conditions played a key role. After receiving interest from programs like Washington, Auburn, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, Gómez chose Arizona State due to the program’s enthusiasm for his abilities. Special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle and the coaching staff maintained consistent communication, which solidified Gomez’s confidence in the program.
His journey from playing soccer in Mexico to collegiate football in the United States has been driven by his ambition to compete on the biggest stage. Gómez’s move to Arizona State brings him closer to home and represents a significant milestone in his career. He will join the Sun Devils in the spring semester, ready to contribute to their special teams unit and help address the kicking issues that plagued the team this season.
The addition of Gómez comes at a critical time as Arizona State prepares for the College Football Playoff following its Big 12 Championship victory. The Sun Devils, seeded No. 4, will face the winner of No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson. With Gómez’s experience and skill, Arizona State hopes to stabilize its kicking game and strengthen its postseason prospects.
