Arizona Wildcats 2025 Football Season Preview: Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch

As the Arizona Wildcats gear up for their second season in the Big 12, excitement and challenges loom large. Head coach Brent Brennan enters Year 2 with a revamped coaching staff and a roster aiming to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 debut in the conference. With marquee matchups, historic rivalries, and fresh faces on the schedule, here’s a deep dive into what Wildcats fans can expect in 2025.

Non-Conference Slate: A Strong Start in Tucson

The Wildcats kick off their 122nd season of football with three consecutive home games at Arizona Stadium:

1. Aug. 30 vs. Hawaii: A rematch of the 2019 thriller where Hawaii stunned Arizona. The Wildcats hold a 5-1 series lead and will debut their 2025 squad in front of a home crowd.
2. Sept. 6 vs. Weber State (FCS): A tune-up game against the FCS Wildcats, part of a $560k payout agreement.
3. Sept. 13 vs. Kansas State: A non-conference clash against a Big 12 foe, the finale of a pre-conference realignment home-and-home series. Kansas State dominated Arizona 31-7 in 2024, adding intrigue to this revenge opportunity.

Big 12 Conference Schedule: Trials and Opportunities

Arizona’s Big 12 journey begins with a bye week, followed by a grueling nine-game conference slate:

• Sept. 27 at Iowa State: The conference opener pits Arizona against the 2024 Big 12 runner-up. Iowa State, coming off an 11-3 season, will test the Wildcats’ resilience in Ames for the first time since 1968.
• Oct. 4 vs. Oklahoma State: The Big 12 home opener features a struggling Cowboys team that went 0-9 in conference play last year. Arizona last defeated OSU in 2012.
• Oct. 11 vs. BYU:: A chance to snap a four-game losing streak against the Cougars, who routed Arizona 41-19 in 2024.
• Oct. 18 at Houston: The Wildcats aim to avenge a 2018 loss in Houston but must contend with a rising Cougars program.
• Nov. 1 at Colorado: A rematch with Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes, now without stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Colorado dominated Arizona 34-7 in 2024, making this a pivotal redemption game.
• Nov. 8 vs. Kansas: Former UA tight end Keyan Burnett returns as a Jayhawk, adding emotional stakes to this rare matchup.
• Nov. 15 at Cincinnati: The first-ever meeting between these programs, marking Arizona’s debut in Ohio since 2010.
• Nov. 22 vs. Baylor: A historic clash; their only prior meeting was a 1992 bowl loss for Arizona.
• Nov. 28/29 at Arizona State (Territorial Cup): The season finale against the defending Big 12 champs. ASU’s 49-7 thrashing of UA in 2024 adds fire to this rivalry, which could shift to a Friday primetime slot.

Key Storylines to Follow

1. Coaching Adjustments: Offensive coordinator Seth Doege takes over play-calling, while Danny Gonzales transitions from special teams to defensive coordinator. These changes aim to revive a unit that regressed in 2024.
2. Noah Fifita’s Leadership: QB Noah Fifita returns for his third season, offering stability and experience to an offense seeking consistency.
3. Schedule Difficulty: Arizona faces 11 FBS opponents with a combined 81-59 record from 2024, including four teams that tied for the Big 12 title (ASU, BYU, Colorado, Iowa State).
4. Media Spotlight: Big 12 games will air on ESPN, Fox, TNT, or TBS, with the Territorial Cup potentially flexed to Friday night.

Final Outlook

The Wildcats’ 2025 schedule blends familiar foes with new challenges, offering both opportunities for statement wins and potential pitfalls. Success hinges on improved defensive execution, offensive creativity under Doege, and capitalizing on home-field advantage in Tucson. While a playoff berth seems unlikely, a bowl game is within reach if Arizona navigates its tough midseason stretch (at Colorado, vs. Kansas, at Cincinnati) effectively.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 27 (Iowa State road test) and Nov. 28/29 (Territorial Cup) – these games could define Arizona’s season.

For the Full 2025 Schedule Click the link below:
2025 Arizona Wildcats Football Schedule