TEMPE, Ariz. – Creating the correct culture is the cornerstone of Kenny Dillingham’s plan for Arizona State football spring practice.

Culture is more than putting the right people together for the Sun Devils. Dillingham said he must move people from where they stand and guide them to new, collective heights.

A standard set by departing athletes, culture is instilled by those who remain on the roster for the 2026 season.

“What is our culture?” Dillingham said. “Being yourself.”

Dillingham believes mindset trumps technique and encourages his athletes to express themselves authentically. 

Going into year four at ASU, he’s brought personality to the program. 

“Just be you every single day,” Dillingham said. “Be a good person, make good decisions, and have a lot of fun doing what you're going to do.”

Progress for a program isn’t linear, and Dillingham never lets the valleys get too low by drawing out his players' best performances, while remaining committed to culture.

“The culture has been passed on to this new group,” Dillingham said. 

“They know what it's supposed to look like. Those guys that are here, that are returning, they know what it looks like to be successful.”

To climb back to the top of the Big 12, Dillingham emphasized bridging the gap between personal achievements and a program's accomplishments.

Dillingham said the desire to “grow this group of guys into a team” is paramount.

He preached that they care about each other, want what's best for each other and understand that team success and individual success are the same.

“This is all about the team and the team,” Dillingham said.

Joe Gibbs, a three-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, implemented that same idea with the Washington Commanders.

“You win with people in team sports,” Gibbs said. “You got to get people to work together.

“I love that about team sports.”

Junior defensive lineman C.J. Fite is one of the individuals Gibbs referenced as being key to winning. The junior chose not to go professional, and Dillingham wasted no time adding him to the team’s leadership council.

“C.J. (Fite) is not a guy who's a brought up guy. He's not a me guy. He's just a great person, he’s a phenomenal football player,” Dillingham said. “The dream player to have in your program.”

Dillingham said he’s seen Fite quickly lift up his teammates, inspiring them with short speeches.  

“He speaks, people listen,” Dillingham said. “People respond to him because he doesn't try.”

Fite simply acted on his beliefs, and Dillingham recognized the impact of his influence. The linebacker's authenticity and personality grew into the mold for ASU players.

“We have to have the same mindset, but you got to be yourself,” Dillingham said. “It raises everybody around them.”

Dillingham continues to build an uplifting environment where his players can be themselves. 

“Be weird. Be quiet. Be the dude who's really vibrant. I don't care, but be a good person that makes good decisions, that loves coming in every single day with a passion,” Dillingham said.