Arizona Desert Swarm
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Arizona football: CB Jay’Vion Cole to miss Texas Tech game, 2 injured receivers could return
Arizona Wildcats head into their Top 25 clash with Texas Tech missing lockdown cornerback Jay’Vion Cole, who is out per the Big 12’s first availability report. Cole, a starter who allowed just 16 catches on 30 targets in the first seven games, will likely be replaced by Dwight Bootle II, with Malcolm Hartzog Jr. also in the mix. Injured wide receivers Chris Hunter and Giovanni Richardson are listed as questionable, while tight end Cole Rusk is doubtful and several other players face eligibility issues. Texas Tech’s Cameron Dickey is a questionable backup running back.
Media agrees with coaches, ranks Arizona 13th in Big 12 Women’s Basketball preseason poll
The Big 12 media poll places Arizona women’s basketball at 13th, matching the coaches’ preseason ranking. After finishing 15th in a 16‑team league last season with a 3‑15 conference record, the Wildcats hope a top‑20 recruiting class and experienced transfers will boost them a few spots, though coach Becky Burke cautions the roster is still very young. Freshmen like Makayla Presser‑Palmer and sophomores Puff Morris and Molly Ladwig led high‑scoring exhibition wins, but Burke stresses the team must improve quickly before facing powerhouses like Stanford.
Arizona football notebook: Seth Doege’s homecoming, Noah Fifita’s Heisman hopes collide in Lubbock
Arizona heads into a pivotal Big 12 showdown at Texas Tech on Oct. 28, with both teams eyeing the conference title. Offensive coordinator Seth Doege returns to Lubbock for his first homecoming since playing there (2008‑12), juggling 30+ family members cheering for the Red Raiders while prepping his Wildcats to counter Tech’s powerful pass rush. Meanwhile, head coach Brent Brennan and Doege continue to champion Heisman‑talk for quarterback Noah Fifita, insisting his elite play deserves national attention. The game will test Arizona’s momentum after five straight wins and could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Arizona women’s basketball wraps up exhibition season with win against Cal State Monterey Bay
Arizona women’s basketball rebounded from a sluggish start to rout Cal State Monterey Bay 92-54 in their final exhibition before opening against Stanford on Oct. 28, 2026. Coach Becky Burke highlighted defensive lapses and the need for more physical play, while guard Aliyahna “Puff” Morris admitted the first quarter was weak. The Wildcats surged after a timeout, dominated the third quarter 28-10, and overcame a technical foul incident. Four players scored in double figures: Aliyahna Morris led with 15 points, Sumayah Sugapong added 13, Jasleen Green 12, and Makayla Presser‑Palmer posted a double‑double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Wildcat Wrap: Arizona men’s golf tested against top competition at East Lake Cup
Arizona men’s golf faces top competition at the East Lake Cup in Atlanta, finishing fourth in stroke play (one‑over par) behind Auburn (13‑under), Oklahoma State (11‑under) and UCLA (8‑under). Freshman Tianyi Xiong leads with a 2‑under 6th‑place individual finish and earns the team’s sole match‑play point in a 4‑1 loss to No. 3 Auburn. Unranked entering the event, Arizona’s lineup includes returners William Wistrand and Matej Baca plus newcomers Jorge Sampedro and Adam Fahey. The article also notes swimming & diving split results, women’s golf tying for fifth at the AC Intercollegiate, and upcoming meets in Los Angeles (Nov. 7) and Tucson (Feb.).
Texas Tech expert previews the Arizona football game, makes a score prediction
Texas Tech’s season pivoted from early hype to a stumble, and Saturday’s clash with Arizona becomes a de‑facto conference‑title eliminator. Expert Seth Jungman cites a faltering offense under starter Will Hammond – praised for leadership yet plagued by poor game‑management decisions – and a defense that has lost its previous quarterback‑pressure edge. He expects running back Cameron Dickey to return from a high‑ankle sprain, reviving the powerful Dickey‑Williams tandem that has produced 680 yards and five TDs for J’Koby Williams. Meanwhile, Arizona’s quarterback Noah Fifita faces a Tech secondary that ranks second in interceptions (13) but also allows 16 TD passes, making the matchup a critical test for both teams.
What Brent Brennan said at his press conference to open Texas Tech week
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan uses his press conference to hype the upcoming Top‑25 clash against Texas Tech. After celebrating a Homecoming blowout of Iowa State and buying 1,000 tickets for local youth groups, Brennan emphasizes community engagement and fan appreciation. He warns that Tech’s “impressive” front seven and playmaking ability will make the game a line‑of‑scrimmage battle, stressing the need for consistent, disciplined football. Brennan also discusses quarterback Noah Fifita’s role in handling Tech’s strong pass rush and notes the return of former Red Raider Seth Doege, calling it a respectful but non‑disruptive storyline. The showdown on Saturday will heavily influence Big 12 title prospects.
SB Nation Reacts: What’s the ceiling for Arizona men’s basketball this season?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
Next 3 weeks could decide Big 12 football title game participants
The next three weeks could lock in the Big 12 title game lineup as Arizona (No. 22) heads to Texas Tech, then hosts Utah, while Texas Tech visits Oklahoma State and Utah takes on West Virginia. Utah leads the conference at 4‑0, with Arizona, BYU, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech each sitting at 3‑1. With four head‑to‑head matchups looming, tiebreakers are likely, and the top two will meet Dec. 4 at AT&T Stadium. Home‑field advantage favors Arizona, BYU and Texas Tech, while Utah and Oklahoma State have fewer home games, making the upcoming schedule crucial for CFP hopes.
Slow start, inconsistencies once again haunt Arizona volleyball in sixth straight loss
Arizona’s women’s volleyball endured a sixth straight defeat, falling 3-2 to Cincinnati (25-16, 19-25, 21-25, 27-25, 15-11) on Oct. 24 in Tucson. Despite a strong comeback in the third set and match‑point chances in the fourth, the Wildcats’ tentative play in key moments let the Bearcats clinch the final set. Standout performers included Destiny Ndam‑Simpson’s season‑high 23 points (19 kills, 19 digs), Carlie Cisneros with a double‑double (13 kills, 16 digs) and setter Harmony Sample’s 44 assists. Arizona out‑blocked Cincinnati 16‑5, but Cincinnati dominated overall hitting and digs, extending Arizona’s losing streak.
Arizona vs. Iowa State: Players of the Game
Arizona dominates Iowa State 39‑3 in Tucson, with the Wildcats' defense limiting the Cyclones to 1.7 yards per carry and holding Aidan Flora to just three. Quarterback Noah Fifita earns Offensive Player of the Game, completing 27 of 34 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns and a 71‑yard bomb to Isaiah Mizell. Linebacker Dash Fifita, who recorded six tackles, 2.5 TFLs and two sacks in just 16 snaps, is named Defensive Player of the Game. Punter Chase Ridley shines on special teams, averaging 46 yards per punt with a 57‑yard long and pinning two punts inside the 20-yard line.
Video review, missed opportunities turn into heartbreakers for Arizona soccer against Baylor
On Senior Day (Oct. 25, 2026) Arizona women’s soccer fell 3-2 to No. 10 Baylor after a controversial video review erased a potential equalizer and a missed penalty. The Wildcats led 2-1 in the first half, outshooting Baylor 7-4, but a hand‑ball call in the 63rd minute wiped out their third goal and resulted in coach Becca Moros receiving a red card. Despite the loss, seniors highlighted the team’s grit and improved offense, noting they were competitive against all six top‑16 Big 12 opponents they faced this season.
Tracking snap counts and PFF grades from Arizona’s win vs. Iowa State
Arizona secures bowl eligibility with a dominant 39‑3 victory over Iowa State, while Pro Football Focus rates the Wildcats 74.1 overall (offense 70.6, defense 72.2). The team’s pass‑blocking shines at 79.3, but pass rush lags at 58.3. Standout performances include LB Dash Fifita (89.5), WR Isaiah Mizell (75.0), QB Noah Fifita (74.8) and CB Tyrese Boss (74.0). Snap‑count tables list every player’s snaps and grades, highlighting top blockers—C Zach Henning (84.3) and RT Tristan Bounds (77.9)—and top defenders such as S Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (76.9) and S Gavin Hunter (81.2). The data offers a detailed look at Arizona’s strengths and weaknesses from the game on Oct. 25, 2026.
Arizona football moves up in AP poll ahead of top-25 showdown at Texas Tech
Arizona Wildcats surge to No. 22 in the AP poll after a dominant 39‑3 homecoming win over Iowa State on Oct. 24, boosting their vote total from 136 to 400 points. The victory propels them into a top‑25 clash with Texas Tech, now No. 13, in a 9 a.m. MST showdown on ESPN. The poll also sees Missouri slip behind Arizona, while Iowa and USC drop out, Utah leads the Big 12 at No. 6 and BYU falls to No. 8 after a loss to UCF.
Arizona football opens as small underdog at Texas Tech
The Arizona Wildcats (6-1) head to Lubbock on Saturday for a 9 a.m. MST showdown with Texas Tech, who also sit at 6‑1. The Red Raiders are 4.5‑point favorites (FanDuel) and hold a 55.5 over/under. Arizona rides a 39‑3 blowout of Iowa State and three straight ATS covers, but enters the game 5‑27 all‑time against Tech and 1‑13‑1 in Lubbock. Texas Tech, fresh from a 37‑24 loss at Cincinnati that drops them out of the top‑10, leans on a 12‑game home streak at Galaxy Stadium. The matchup could determine which team stays in the Big 12 playoff conversation.
What Brent Brennan, Dash Fifita and Henry Gabalis said after Arizona’s Homecoming win over Iowa State
Arizona storms past Iowa State 39-3 on Homecoming, securing a guaranteed bowl bid for a second straight year. Head coach Brent Brennan hails the team’s physical dominance and warns one win isn’t enough, while quarterback Noah Fifita logs his 12th 300‑yard game with a 79% completion rate. Linebacker Dash Fifita praises the defensive unit’s “lights‑out” effort—holding the Cyclones to 3‑for‑14 on third down—and credits the staff’s development of portal pickups in the secondary. Tight end Henry Gabalis reflects on his 2‑point conversion and growing confidence. Brennan says the Wildcats will celebrate for 24 hours before attacking the next challenge.
Grading Arizona football’s performance in bowl-clinching win vs. Iowa State
Arizona Wildcats crush Iowa State 39-3, securing their second straight bowl berth and solidifying a spot in the Big 12 title race. The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) post a fifth straight win, with quarterback Dash Fifita throwing 27‑34 for 308 yards and two TDs, and wideout Bryce Mizell hauling in 134 yards and a score. Offense earns an A‑, piling up 477 total yards, while defense dominates with an A, forcing a sack‑fumble turnover and holding the Cyclones scoreless. Key moments include a 71‑yard TD on the second play and a 40‑yard wheel‑route TD before the clock expires.
Arizona football dominates Iowa State on Homecoming, clinching bowl bid
Arizona Wildcats secure bowl eligibility with a dominant 39-3 homecoming win over Iowa State, improving to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12. Quarterback Noah Fifita throws for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while Isaiah Mizell catches eight passes for 134 yards and a 71-yard TD. Freshmen Dash Fifita and Henry Gabalis add sacks and a 40-yard touchdown, respectively. The Cyclones are limited to 221 yards and three points after halftime. The victory marks Arizona’s fifth straight win, their first five‑in‑a‑row streak in back‑to‑back seasons since 1992‑93, and keeps them in the hunt for the conference title.
Arizona football vs. Iowa State fan discussion
Arizona Wildcats host Iowa State Cyclones for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. MT in Tucson’s Casino Del Sol Stadium. The Wildcats are 10.5‑point favorites (FanDuel) with an over/under of 51.5. The game airs on ESPN2 (stream on ESPN+) with Lowell Galindo, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport calling, and is on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM. Fans can join the pre‑game discussion on @AZDesertSwarm, where topics include the Bear Down centennial, Noah Fifita’s final season, and score predictions. The Wildcats enter the matchup ranked in the AP Top 25 and aiming to boost their Big 12 title hopes.
Arizona football vs. Iowa State: Game time, TV schedule, odds, streaming and more
Arizona hosts Iowa State on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. MT in Casino Del Sol Stadium for Homecoming, celebrating the 100th anniversary of John “Button” Salmon’s “Bear Down” motto. The Wildcats enter as 9.5‑point favorites (FanDuel) with a 51.5 over/under. The game airs on ESPN2 (stream on ESPN+) and radio on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM. Pre‑game coverage features SB Nation reactions, key storylines like Noah Fifita’s final season, and expert score predictions. Follow updates via @AZDesertSwarm, @realBJP, and @Serrano_Sports.
Serve receive does Arizona volleyball in at West Virginia
Arizona Wildcats fell 23-25, 15-25, 21-25, 17-25 to West Virginia in a four-set loss on Oct. 2, 2026, giving the Mountaineers their fourth conference win. Coach Rita Stubbs blamed poor serve‑receive, as junior outside hitter Carlie Cisneros was aced six times despite posting a double‑double (10 kills, 11 digs). Destiny Ndam‑Simpson led Arizona with 15 kills and 17 points, while Kennedy Osunsanmi and Journey Tucker each reached double‑digit kills. The Wildcats showed offensive efficiency, yet struggled on the block with only three total blocks. The win marked WVU’s first against Arizona after the Wildcats’ inconsistent season.
What Tommy Lloyd, Caleb Holt and JJ Mandaquit said after final exhibition win over Eastern Washington
Arizona men’s basketball caps preseason with an 85-54 rout of Eastern Washington, highlighted by Caleb Holt’s 21 points. Coach Tommy Lloyd says the exhibition provided “good moments” and teachable lessons, noting the team’s disjointed practice schedule and a need to tighten discipline after 20 turnovers. He praises Holt’s relentless effort despite five turnovers and discusses the addition of former Gonzaga star Kevin Pangos to the staff, emphasizing his coaching potential. Lloyd also comments on the Wildcats’ perimeter defense, noting Eastern Washington’s 2‑14 three‑point shooting and the importance of consistency as the season approaches.
Fans get first look at more Arizona softball newcomers in fall games against Phoenix College, Pima
Freshman pitcher Lilly Hauser and senior transfer Madison Conley debuted for Arizona softball in a doubleheader against Phoenix College and Pima Community College, leading the Wildcats to 13‑0 and 10‑0 victories. Conley homered in her first at‑bat, while Hauser contributed a pinch‑hit double. The games featured the team’s first home runs of the practice season and a tribute to late coach Larry Ray, who helped build the program’s championship legacy. With new designated players, catchers and a promising two‑way talent in Hauser, Arizona looks poised for a strong fall season.
Arizona men’s basketball crushes Eastern Washington to finish exhibition slate
Arizona caps its preseason with a 85-54 demolition of Eastern Washington at McKale Center, marking its third straight exhibition win by an average of 23.3 points. Caleb Holt tops the stat sheet with 21 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Motiejus Krivas adds 12 points, eight boards and three blocks in just 17 minutes. The Wildcats shoot 52.4% overall, hit nine of 23 from three, force 19 turnovers and dominate the paint (48-32). The win pushes Arizona into the regular season, which kicks off on Nov. 2 against UCLA in Las Vegas.
Arizona women’s basketball adds Dionna Gray to roster
Arizona women's basketball adds former Kent State point guard Dionna Gray as a fifth‑year player. Coach Becky Burke notes Gray’s defensive mindset and veteran experience, highlighting her recent appearance in a scrimmage against Embry‑Riddle. Her eligibility stems from a recent Indiana court ruling that granted extra years to several women's basketball athletes, though the NCAA is appealing and her status could change. Burke says Arizona will use Gray while she remains eligible and is prepared for a possible loss of eligibility.
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