Kenny Dillingham would support mandatory injury reports

TEMPE — The Big 12 could be the next conference to implement mandatory injury reports, as Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham have expressed support for the change.

The Big Ten and SEC, the two major football conferences, have already mandated injury reports.

The Big Ten got on board first, asking its football teams to be transparent ahead of the 2023 season. The SEC followed suit before this year, adding that basketball and baseball programs must do the same.

Dillingham and Whittingham both said this week that they would “100%” support an injury report required by the Big 12.

Without such a policy, Whittingham has for weeks provided vague updates about quarterback Cam Rising, who suffered a finger injury while crashing into Gatorade jugs on the sideline during Utah’s Week 2 win over Baylor. True freshman Isaac Wilson has since stepped in.

“Since there is no mandate, why would you show your hand in any way, shape or form?” Whittingham told reporters on Monday. “It makes no sense to give your opponent more knowledge than he has.”

Dillingham said he understands why Whittingham wouldn’t show his cards, pointing out that a quarterback’s availability can affect a game plan in a way other positions can’t.

“I actually think he’s wise not to give out (information) when your quarterback is in limbo,” he said. “I think with the current rules that are in place… I think he’s spot on. Why shouldn’t he prepare us for both? He’s absolutely right until they change the rule.”

Dillingham pointed to a similar situation a year ago in which he withheld information about Jaden Rashada.

Without an injury report, Dillingham said Monday the Sun Devils need to prepare for both of Utah’s quarterbacks.

DT Tristan is leaving the football team on Monday, Dillingham says

On Wednesday, Dillingham said defensive tackle Tristan Monday, a Scottsdale Saguaro graduate, approached him on Sunday about quitting the football team to focus on school.

Monday is not redshirting and will transfer when the window opens in December, the coach added.

Dillingham said he doesn’t expect the loss to have an impact on the team.

According to PFF, Monday made 17 defensive tackles in the Sun Devils’ first two games and hasn’t played on defense since. He was in kick return coverage every game.

He transferred from Wisconsin before the 2023 season and returned to the Valley during Dillingham’s first offseason at the helm.