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The Arizona Wildcats have become victim of college football’s head coaching carousel this offseason, losing Jedd Fisch to Washington. After posting a 10-win season in 2023, they’re hoping to avoid a rebuild.
Most of that will revolve around keeping its current players in Tucson rather than the transfer portal. The Wildcats received some good news on Tuesday.
It’s being reported that star quarterback Noah Fifita will stick with Arizona after his Freshman All-American campaign. The passer threw for 2,869 yards last season, tossing 25 touchdowns to just six picks.
Fifita was named FWAA’s Offensive Freshman of the Year due to that ridiculous production, and he appears destined to lead the Wildcats again as they transition into the Big XII.
Hearing that Noah Fafita and Tetairoa McMillan are staying at @ArizonaFBall. WR coach Kevin Cummings would be key to that effort.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) January 16, 2024
The news comes as the university introduces a new head coach in Brent Brennan.
Brennan has spent the last seven seasons at San Jose State where he won 34 games. That hire, as well as a few potential holdovers, could be critical in retaining a lineup that’s set to return double-digit starters.
With that production back in ’24, Arizona could be a dark horse College Football Playoff contender after finishing the year ranked in the Top 15.
Arizona QB Noah Fifita snubs former coach
Many immediately speculated that Fifita would follow Jedd Fisch to Washington after his announcement to accept the head coaching job. Fisch was called upon to replace Kalen DeBoer, who bolted for Alabama earlier this offseason.
The Huskies will lose starter Michael Penix from last season’s PAC 12 championship squad, though Mississippi State transfer Will Rogers has since landed at UW.
Fisch’s exit from Tucson was contentious.
Less than two weeks before accepting that gig, he was heard preaching his loyalty to the program and the future that lied ahead.
After signing his flashy new deal in his Tucson residence, he turned the focus to the Huskies, but not before a brief three-minute meeting with his old players.
Can confirm it was only 3 minutes long. Players are furious. https://t.co/8XP5GsVPdH
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) January 15, 2024
Ticked at the quick exit, it seems Fifita and Co. are doing their best to keep the roster intact.
If that comes to fruition, it’s a major boost for the Wildcats heading into 2024.