Cortavious Tisaby, the 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive tackle out of South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas, has reaffirmed his commitment to Arizona State University (ASU), putting an end to persistent speculation about a potential flip. Tisaby, one of the most physically imposing and athletically gifted offensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting cycle, initially gave his verbal pledge to ASU on November 24, 2024. Since then, he’s held firm, even as blue-blood programs like Oregon, Oklahoma, and Arizona pushed aggressively to change his mind.
For the Sun Devils, Tisaby’s reaffirmation is not only a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a clear signal that head coach Kenny Dillingham is building something formidable in Tempe.
The Anchor of ASU’s Future Offensive Line
When fans talk about cornerstone players, they’re talking about athletes like Tisaby. Towering at 6’7” and tipping the scales at 305 pounds, he’s not just big—he’s agile, technically sound, and possesses a rare mix of size, strength, and intelligence that has drawn comparisons to elite college tackles such as Penei Sewell and Paris Johnson Jr.
Tisaby’s game tape shows an athlete who can drive defensive ends into the turf, climb to the second level with ease, and set a fortress-like edge in pass protection. His blend of foot speed and hand placement makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. And while the athleticism is eye-catching, what sets Tisaby apart is his football IQ.
“I love the game. I study it like it’s my second job,” Tisaby said during a recent interview with a local Dallas sports outlet. “When I committed to ASU, I did it because I saw something special in what Coach Dillingham and the staff are doing. That hasn’t changed.”
Recruitment Battle: Fending Off the Heavyweights
While Tisaby committed to Arizona State relatively early in his recruitment, that didn’t stop other national powers from coming after him. Oregon made an especially aggressive push in early 2025, hosting him on an unofficial visit and deploying top recruiters to try to sway his allegiance. Oklahoma, with its deep Texas recruiting ties and Big 12 championship pedigree, also kept in close contact. Arizona, too, sensing an opportunity to poach a high-profile player from a conference rival, ramped up its efforts this past spring.
But none of it worked.
“I respect those programs, and it was flattering to be recruited by them,” Tisaby said. “But I’ve been loyal to ASU from day one. They believed in me first, and I believe in them.”
According to sources close to his recruitment, the Sun Devils maintained weekly contact, with offensive line coach Saga Tuitele playing a crucial role in solidifying the bond. Tisaby and Tuitele built a relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.
“I can see myself developing under Coach Tuitele,” Tisaby noted. “He knows how to get linemen to the league. That’s where I want to go.”
South Oak Cliff’s Pipeline to Power
Tisaby hails from one of Texas’ most dominant high school football programs. South Oak Cliff, known for producing top-tier talent, has won multiple state championships in recent years and continues to be a hotbed for Power Five recruits.
For Tisaby, competing at SOC has helped him face elite competition week in and week out. His development has been aided by a staff that emphasizes discipline, technique, and academic accountability—traits that make the transition to college smoother.
“Being at SOC prepared me for what’s next,” Tisaby said. “We practice hard, we play hard, and we expect to win.”
He’s also been a locker-room leader, praised by coaches for his maturity and mentorship of younger players. While his size and skillset stand out, it’s Tisaby’s character that has recruiters and coaches alike speaking highly.
Kenny Dillingham’s Vision and the ASU Rebuild
When Kenny Dillingham took over the reins at Arizona State in late 2022, he inherited a program in flux. NCAA sanctions, staff turnover, and roster attrition painted a bleak picture for a once-proud program.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Sun Devils are trending upward thanks in large part to Dillingham’s energy, offensive innovation, and recruiting prowess. Tisaby’s reaffirmation is the latest proof that elite talent is buying into the long-term vision in Tempe.
“The energy is different at ASU,” Tisaby said. “You can feel it. Coach D is building something special, and I want to be part of it.”
Dillingham, a dynamic recruiter with deep ties to the West Coast and Texas, has made the offensive line a top priority in every recruiting cycle. Securing a commitment like Tisaby sends a message to other top recruits: Arizona State is no longer a stepping-stone program—it’s a destination.
The Importance of Loyalty in the NIL Era
In today’s college football landscape, loyalty can be a scarce commodity. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal adding complexity to recruiting, schools often find themselves in a constant fight to retain talent.
Tisaby’s decision to stay loyal to ASU despite external pressures is refreshing—and emblematic of his values.
“Everybody talks about chasing the bag,” he said, alluding to NIL offers. “But I’m chasing greatness. I want to leave a legacy. I want to help ASU win big games, win championships.”
That mentality resonates in Tempe. ASU has recently overhauled its NIL infrastructure to better support its athletes, but the staff remains focused on finding recruits who prioritize development, fit, and culture.
On-Field Projection: Potential to Start Early
With his size, polish, and experience against top competition, Tisaby is projected to compete for early playing time once he arrives on campus in 2026. Arizona State’s current offensive line depth chart is expected to lose key upperclassmen after the 2025 season, and Tisaby could fill a critical void at left tackle or right tackle.
Offensive line coach Saga Tuitele has already begun discussing development plans for Tisaby, focusing on refining his hand usage, pad level, and lateral agility.
“He has all the tools,” one ASU source said. “With a year in the weight room and in our system, he could be a Freshman All-American.”
For Tisaby, the opportunity to contribute early is part of the appeal—but he’s not taking anything for granted.
“I’m going in ready to work,” he said. “I know nothing is handed to you. I’m going to earn every snap.”
The Message to Sun Devil Nation
Following his reaffirmation, Tisaby took to social media to post a photo in his ASU uniform with the caption: “Still locked in. Let’s work #ForksUp.” The post garnered thousands of likes and shares, with ASU fans flooding his mentions with support and excitement.
Sun Devil Nation has every reason to be thrilled. In an era where high-profile recruits frequently flip their commitments, Tisaby’s loyalty and enthusiasm are both rare and invaluable.
