Another Sun Devil starter is headed for the door, and this one hits the defense where it hurts. Arizona State cornerback Javan Robinson plans to enter the transfer portal after starting the last two seasons for Kenny Dillingham’s defense. That’s not a role player leaving. That’s a major piece of the secondary packing it up.
Robinson’s been steady for Arizona State since stepping into the lineup. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound corner racked up 85 tackles, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions, and a forced fumble over the last two years. He’s not some rotational guy looking for a bump. He was a regular starter in the Big 12, and now he’s shopping for a new home.
It’s a loss, plain and simple. Arizona State’s defense was already dealing with depth concerns heading into 2026, and now they’ve got another starting spot to fill in the secondary. That room has talent, sure, but experience like Robinson’s doesn’t grow on trees, especially not in a portal-driven world where reps are currency.
There’s always a chance Robinson could walk this back. Guys enter the portal all the time just to test the waters, talk to some schools, and maybe circle back. But based on how things are trending, this one feels like a clean break. No public statement yet, but the exit signs are flashing.
For Dillingham and his staff, it’s another reminder that roster management in 2025 means you’re never really off the clock. Whether it’s NIL, playing time, or fit, the reasons don’t always matter. The result is the same: another starter to replace, another position to reload.
And for Robinson, there’s going to be interest. Two years of Power Four starting experience at corner isn’t something you find lying around. If he stays healthy and picks the right scheme, he’ll play immediately wherever he lands.
This isn’t a program-killer for Arizona State, but it’s another piece to deal with. And if there’s one thing Dillingham’s shown since arriving in Tempe, it’s that he won’t sit still. Expect ASU to be right back in the mix to plug the gap.
