srael Briggs of Visalia Commits to Arizona State: A Perfect Fit for the Sun Devils
In a significant development for Arizona State University (ASU) football, four-star tight end Israel Briggs from Visalia, California, has pledged his commitment to the Sun Devils. This announcement, made on February 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in ASU’s recruiting efforts for the class of 2026. Briggs’ decision to join ASU underscores the program’s growing appeal and its potential to compete at the highest levels of collegiate football.
Background of Israel Briggs
Israel Briggs hails from Visalia, a city in California’s Central Valley known for producing athletic talent. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Briggs possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable presence on the field. His versatility is evident, having played multiple positions during his high school career at Redwood High School, including tight end, wide receiver, safety, and cornerback. This multi-positional experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the game, enhancing his adaptability and football IQ.
Beyond football, Briggs is a distinguished multi-sport athlete. He has earned accolades in basketball, being a two-time all-league selection, and has demonstrated prowess in track and field, with personal bests of 11.42 seconds in the 100-meter dash and a 21-foot 10-inch long jump. This athleticism translates to exceptional agility and speed on the football field, attributes that are highly valued in a tight end.
Recruitment and Commitment to Arizona State
Briggs’ recruitment process was marked by interest from numerous prestigious programs. Offers came from institutions such as Alabama, Oregon, Texas A&M, Miami, and Florida State, reflecting his high regard among college football recruiters. Despite this competitive landscape, ASU emerged as the preferred destination for Briggs.
His decision to commit to Arizona State was influenced by several factors. A key element was his connection with ASU’s head coach, Kenny Dillingham. Briggs expressed admiration for Coach Dillingham’s mentorship and the genuine relationships fostered within the program. He noted that the team’s chemistry and the familial atmosphere were significant draws, stating, “They probably didn’t have the most talented players, but at the same time, they had the chemistry as brothers, and that’s why they did so well.”
Briggs’ commitment is particularly noteworthy as he is the second four-star tight end from California to join ASU’s 2026 recruiting class, following Thousand Oaks’ Hayden Vercher. This dual commitment highlights ASU’s growing reputation as a destination for top-tier tight end talent.
Impact on Arizona State’s Football Program
The addition of Israel Briggs significantly enhances ASU’s recruiting class and bolsters the tight end position. Briggs is ranked as the No. 6 tight end prospect nationally and the No. 67 overall recruit in the class of 2026, according to 247Sports.
His commitment is the highest-rated tight end ASU has secured since Zach Miller, who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and enjoyed an eight-year career in the NFL.
Briggs’ athleticism and versatility are expected to make an immediate impact on ASU’s offense. His ability to create mismatches with defenders, coupled with his proficiency in both receiving and blocking, provides the Sun Devils with a dynamic weapon in the passing game. His background in basketball and track and field further enhances his ability to make contested catches and gain yards after the catch.
Future Outlook
With the commitment of Israel Briggs, Arizona State continues to build a strong foundation for future success. The 2026 recruiting class, now bolstered by Briggs and Vercher, positions ASU to compete at a high level in the coming years. The Sun Devils’ coaching staff, led by Coach Dillingham, is demonstrating a commitment to recruiting top talent and fostering a culture of excellence within the program.
As Briggs prepares to join ASU, the Sun Devils’ fan base can look forward to the contributions of a highly skilled and versatile athlete who embodies the program’s values and aspirations. His commitment is a testament to the positive trajectory of Arizona State football and the bright future that lies ahead.