Camp Tontozona tradition strengthens chemistry for Arizona State football

TEMPE, Ariz. — Nursery rhymes are not typically part of a college football practice playlist, but Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham had a purpose behind the unusual music choice.

Arizona State University head coach Kenny Dillingham at Fall practice on August 5th, 2026. Jonathan Olden/Bamboo Sports Media

By replacing the team’s normal practice music with something intentionally “boring” and “annoying,” Dillingham wanted to see whether his players could create their own energy in an uncomfortable environment.

“The environment shouldn’t set the temperature,” Dillingham said. “We should be the team that turns the thermostat whichever way we want.” That mentality has been central to the Sun Devils’ preparation during fall camp, including their time at Camp Tontozona, commonly known as Camp T.

The team’s annual trip gives players an opportunity to step away from their usual surroundings and build stronger relationships before the season begins.

“I love Camp T,” Dillingham said. “It’s something that they can never forget. It’s something that you’ll remember the rest of your life.”

As college football continues to change, Dillingham said traditions that challenge players and bring teams together are becoming less common. He believes Camp T provides Arizona State with an experience that remains valuable.

“Traditions are kind of dying a little bit with college sports,” Dillingham said. “Hard traditions, things that are challenging and old-school things are kind of dying. For us to still have an old-school kind of environment that we get to go to and just bond together is special.”

The experience allows the Sun Devils to strengthen their chemistry while preparing for the physical and mental challenges of the season. By practicing in a different environment, players must rely on one another and learn how to create energy as a team.

That balance was evident throughout practice. Dillingham said the offense put too many balls on the ground and committed too many turnovers, but it also produced successful stretches. The defense responded with strong periods of its own.

“Just back and forth,” Dillingham said. “I’m excited to see real football.”

For younger players, becoming part of that competitive culture requires more than talent. Dillingham praised freshman Daqwuan Dunn for working his way up the depth chart but said Dunn must continue earning the trust of his teammates.

“From a talent perspective and learning it, he’s better and better every day,” Dillingham said.

That trust is what Dillingham hopes the Sun Devils develop through Camp T, difficult practices and shared traditions. Each challenge serves the same purpose: preparing Arizona State to respond together when the environment becomes uncomfortable.

Whether the Sun Devils are isolated at Camp T or playing inside a packed stadium, Dillingham wants the team’s energy and identity to come from within.

“We set the temperature of our practice,” he said.