With baseball wrapping up, all eyes turn to football as the Wildcats sit just 74 days away from their opening game against Hawaii. The 2025 season is pivotal for head coach Brent Brennan and his future at the University of Arizona. With explosive offensive talent, a promising secondary, and a Big 12 schedule full of both opportunities and landmines, success will come down to a few critical factors. Becoming bowl eligible should be the goal this season—and here’s what needs to happen to get there.
1. The Offense Has to Lead the Way
Arizona returns Noah Fifita, a redshirt junior quarterback coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign. After being named National Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, there was every reason to believe he’d take a big leap. But a new offensive coordinator (now gone), the absence of a dedicated position coach, poor playcalling, and a lack of weapons beyond first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan all factored into his struggles.
Now, things are looking up. Fifita will have a deep and talented backfield behind him with Kedrick Reescano, Ismail Mahdi, Quincy Craig, and others. The receiver room includes experienced threats like Chris Hunter, Kris Hutson, Javin Watley, Luke Wysong, and Tre Spivey. The coaching staff also hopes this is the year tight end Keyan Burnett puts it all together. He’s flashed potential but hasn’t yet delivered consistently.
Enter new offensive coordinator Seth Doege, who brings an up-tempo, wide-open system designed to put points on the board. With a skill-position group this deep and a revamped offensive line anchored by transfers Ka‘ena Decambra and Tristan Bounds, Arizona has the firepower to outscore opponents. This team will lean heavily on its offense—it has to be good. If it’s anything like 2024, the Wildcats could be in trouble fast.
2. The Defense Needs to Lean on the Secondary
Defensive improvement starts up front, and this unit has new leadership along with a wave of new faces. In 2024, tackles-for-loss leaders Tre Smith and Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei combined for just eight TFLs—not good enough. There are valid questions around both the linebacker and defensive line groups. However, additions like Tiaoalii Savea and Deshawn McKnight should help shore up the interior.
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales will stick with a similar base scheme but is expected to add new wrinkles. That said, the strength of this defense is the secondary.
Returning for his third year as a starter—and sixth in the program—is safety Dalton Johnson, who provides veteran leadership. He’ll pair with NFL prospect Genesis Smith, a turnover machine with big-play potential. Trayden Stukes returns at nickelback, and according to legendary DB coach Duane Akina, he may be the best nickel in the country. On the outside, expect solid play from Marquis Groves-Killebrew and Jay’vion Cole, a San Jose State transfer via Texas.
This secondary should be one of the best in the Big 12—but only if the front seven can hold the line, limit explosive plays, and get off the field. Arizona doesn’t need a shutdown defense. Just being middle of the pack could be enough to power a bowl run.
3. They Need to Steal a Big One
Every team with postseason aspirations needs an upset win—and Arizona is no exception. DraftKings Sportsbook has the Wildcats’ win total at 4.5 (with the over juiced to -160), which suggests Vegas expects a 5-win season. That sixth win will likely need to come against a team Arizona isn’t favored to beat.
Look at matchups like Kansas State (home), Iowa State (away), BYU (home), Baylor (home), and Arizona State (away) as the swing games. Pulling off just one win from that group could be the difference between staying home and bowling in December.
Arizona has a history of ruining seasons—just ask Oregon. This team has plenty of chances to do it again.
Conclusion
The blueprint is clear: unleash the offense led by Noah Fifita, be just good enough on defense, and pull off a statement win. If Arizona can hit all three keys, the Wildcats will be bowling come winter—and Brent Brennan will have the momentum he needs after a forgettable 2024.
