Image credit:
Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)

Arizona State plans to extend head baseball coach Willie Bloomquist for two additional seasons through the 2028 campaign, sources told Baseball America. The extension is pending formal approval from the Arizona Board of Regents.

Bloomquist was set to earn $390,000 from July 1 through June 30, 2026, the final year of his existing deal. As part of the extension, Arizona State adjusted some of Bloomquist’s contract incentives and is planning to increase its overall investment in the baseball program, sources said. The Sun Devils currently fund 34 full scholarships, the maximum allotment permitted.

The timing of the extension reflects a measured show of confidence following a pivotal season for both Bloomquist and the ASU program.

Hired in the summer of 2021, Bloomquist returned to his alma mater with no head coaching experience and inherited a program navigating significant change. His first three seasons were subpar, marked by flashes of competitiveness but ultimately falling well short of the standard long associated with ASU baseball.

The Sun Devils went 26-32 in 2022, 32-23 in 2023 and 32-26 in 2024, missing the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons. The three-year postseason absence represented the longest drought in program history, an uncomfortable distinction for one of college baseball’s most historically successful programs. As the sport rapidly evolved around the transfer portal and NIL, the pressure to accelerate results mounted.

ASU finally broke through in 2025, finishing 36-24 overall and 18-12 in their first season competing in the Big 12 to end the postseason drought and reestablish a baseline of competitiveness. While the season did not fully restore the national stature the program once routinely commanded, it provided tangible evidence of progress and stability after several transitional years.

That momentum carried into the offseason, when the Sun Devils assembled one of their most complete teams under Bloomquist. ASU retained key pieces from their 2025 roster, most notably top pitcher Cole Carlon, a lefthander who emerged as a reliable anchor for the staff out of the bullpen, and emerging outfielder Landon Hairston, among others.

ASU also made a significant push in the transfer portal, securing commitments from three top 100 transfers: former Cal shortstop PJ Moutzouridis, former UNLV outfielder Dean Toigo and former TCU righthander Kole Klecker.

The planned increase in institutional investment aligns with those roster moves. In an era when resources increasingly shape competitive ceilings, ASU’s willingness to increase its baseball budget signals an understanding of the demands required to contend at a high level. While details of the expanded support were not immediately available, the move suggests a more aggressive approach to sustaining success in the Big 12 and nationally.

For Bloomquist, the two-year extension provides continuity without dramatically altering the short-term expectations attached to the job. It offers stability as he continues to shape the program while still placing an emphasis on sustained results.

The Sun Devils enter the next phase of Bloomquist’s tenure with clearer alignment. The extension does not erase the challenges of the past four seasons, but it does position ASU to evaluate progress on firmer footing as it looks to turn a single breakthrough season into something more durable.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Koa Peat had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Tobe Awaka added 25 points and top-ranked Arizona remained undefeated with an 89-82 win over rival Arizona State on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats (17-0, 4-0 Big 12) had a hard time shaking the Sun Devils in a physical first half before Peat came alive in the second. The 6-foot-8 freshman, who shot 2 of 8 in the first half, made all seven of his shots in the second as Arizona built a 12-point lead.

The Sun Devils (10-7, 1-3) kept hanging around behind Moe Odum, whose 3-pointer with 55 seconds left pulled Arizona State within 87-82.

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley followed with a short jumper and the Wildcats made two free throws to join No. 8 Nebraska and Miami (Ohio) as the only remaining undefeated Division I teams following No. 10 Vanderbilt’s loss to Texas. The Wildcats are off to their best start since opening 21-0 in 2013-14.

Odum led Arizona State with 23 points and Massamba Diop added 16.

Arizona State led 39-38 at halftime by holding its ground, bumping and banging the physical Wildcats while limiting their transition opportunities.

They also got the ball inside to Diop.

The 7-1 Senegalese freshman averaged 21.5 points in two games last week and beat Arizona with a variety of moves, scoring 13 first-half points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Awaka used his might to bull his way through the Sun Devils for 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.

Arizona found more of an offensive rhythm midway through the second half, hitting 11 straight shots to build a 75-63 lead before Arizona State fought back to make it close.

Up next

Arizona State: plays at No. 7 Houston on Sunday.

Arizona: plays at UFC on Saturday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball