Arizona was one of the biggest surprises in college football last season. The Wildcats started with a preseason win total of 5.5 after enduring five straight losing seasons. However, their season took an unexpected turn when starting quarterback Jayden de Laura suffered an ankle injury in the fourth game. This led to redshirt freshman Noah Fifita stepping in as the new quarterback.
Fifita helped Arizona exceed expectations, leading the team to a 10-3 record, their best since 1998. Now, the Wildcats enter their first year in the Big 12 conference with a new head coach, Brent Brennan from San Jose State, following Jedd Fisch’s departure to Washington.
Despite the coaching change, Arizona remains a top contender for the Big 12 title, with several star players returning to the program.
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Biggest Strength: The Fifita-McMillan connection
Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan rank among the 10 best players at their respective positions. They have also been playing together since middle school, and their chemistry is unrivaled in college football.
Biggest Weakness: Pass rush
While Arizona completely rebuilt its defensive line in the transfer portal, it could still struggle to get after the quarterback. Of the Wildcats’ four projected starters at defensive tackle and edge defender, two earned pass-rushing grades below 60.0 last year, while all four failed to crack 75.0.
2023 Team Overview
Offense |
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| EPA per play | Yards per play | Successful play rate | Explosive run play rate | Explosive pass play rate |
| 0.183 | 6.8 | 41.5% | 16.8% | 19.1% |
| 7th | 10th | 5th | T-48th | 15th |
Defense |
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| EPA allowed per play | Yards allowed per play | Successful play rate allowed | Explosive run rate allowed | Explosive pass rate allowed |
| -0.077 | 5.4 | 34.0% | 16.7% | 15.2% |
| 35th | T-51st | T-54th | 93rd | T-97th |
Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions
- RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (New Mexico): 92.7 PFF Grade
- DI Kevon Darton (Syracuse): 74.3 PFF Grade
- RB Quali Conley (San Jose State): 84.8 PFF Grade
Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses
- RB Jonah Coleman (Washington): 91.4 PFF Grade
- DI Bill Norton (Texas): 70.6 PFF Grade
- CB Ephesians Prysock (Washington): 71.3 PFF Grade
Quarterback Spotlight: Noah Fifita
2023 Grade: 82.4
Key Stat: 93.1 intermediate passing grade (3rd among qualified FBS QBs)
