Arizona Football Preview 2026: Can the Wildcats Push in the Big 12 Race?

Arizona’s 2026 football outlook centers on whether the Wildcats can build on recent gains and contend in the Big 12 after a period of rebuilding. The program won 10 games in 2023 under Jedd Fisch, then posted four wins in its first season in the Big 12 with Brent Brennan. In the 2025 season, Arizona finished 9-4, but the article notes skepticism given past history of falling back after nine-win years. It also flags that Arizona lost at home to BYU and Houston—described as the two best teams on the schedule—while not playing Texas Tech or Utah. Offensively, the piece points to a returning core led by quarterback Noah Fifita, reporting over 9,000 passing yards and 72 touchdowns across the last three years. It says the Wildcats averaged 407 yards and 32 points per game, while turnover margin remained strong. Key questions for 2026 include improving pass protection and replacing departing playmakers.