2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 10-3, Win vs. Oklahoma in Valero Alamo Bowl (38-24)

Arizona has been one of the fastest-rising teams in the nation over the last three years. It’s been just two years since the Wildcats finished 1-11. Last season, they were able to reach double-digit wins after a victory over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl. Arizona earned ranked victories over Washington State, Oregon State, UCLA, and a blowout victory over Utah late in the season. It was a loaded schedule for Arizona with six ranked opponents and the team was able to win 10 games. This led to Jedd Fisch landing a job at Washington and Brent Brennan taking over the program.

Offense: Fifita decides to stay home

Noah Fifita was named the PAC-12’s Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023. After being inserted as the starting quarterback, Fifita completed a school-record 72.4% of his passes with 25 touchdowns. Fisch left for Washington once Kalen DaBoer took the Alabama job and Fifita decided to stay with Arizona.

The same cannot be said about Jonah Coleman, who led Arizona with 871 rushing yards last season. The running back position remains the biggest question mark for the Wildcats but Brennan brought one of his biggest weapons with him. Quali Conley rushed for 842 yards for San Jose State last season. One area that is not a question mark are the wide receivers.

Tetairoa McMillan was one of the catalysts for an elite offensive attack by approaching school records with 90 catches and 1,402 yards. Also, the offensive line returns four starters. Tackles Jonah Savaiinaea and Raymond Pulido will take their spots on the outside of the line while Josh Baker returns at center. The presence of an experienced offensive line will help Fifita take an even bigger step forward this season.

Arizona ended last season with five ranked victories. A perennial Top 25 team once again, the Wildcats will have high expectations with their quarterback returning and an experienced group on the offensive side of the ball.

Defense: Newcomers look to step up

The defense was pilfered a bit as three defensive lineman transferred to Washington. Arizona will have four new starters defensively that will look to step up.

It begins with Tre Smith, who was an All-Conference lineman in the Mountain West last season. Ta’itai Uiagalelei came over from San Jose State and has extremely high potential, along with Chubba Ma’ae. Treydan Stukes will also bring his versatility over into the secondary. Stukes has played multiple positions before but is expected to be a nickel for Arizona.

Along with the newcomers, there is returning leadership for the Wildcats. This includes Jacob Manu, who led the PAC-12 with 116 tackles last season. Safeties Gunner Maldonado and Dalton Johnson, along with corner Tacario Davis, will also return and this should make the transition for Stukes even easier.

Arizona has not been a team that is known for its defensive prowess and it will be interesting to see how it all comes together for the Wildcats this season.

2024 Arizona Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. New Mexico
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Northern Arizona
• Friday, Sept. 13: at Kansas State
• Saturday, Sept. 28: at Utah
• Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. Texas Tech
• Saturday, Oct. 12: at BYU
• Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Colorado
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. West Virginia
• Saturday, Nov. 2: at UCF
• Friday, Nov. 15: vs. Houston
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at TCU
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Arizona