Arizona Wildcats football
The Arizona Wildcats football program represents the University of Arizona (UA) in the sport of American college football. Arizona competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the South Division of the Pac-12 Conference (Pac-12). They play their home games at Arizona Stadium, which opened in 1929 on the university's campus in Tucson, Arizona, and has a capacity of 50,782. The team is coached by Jedd Fisch.
| Arizona Wildcats football | |
|---|---|
| First season | 1899 |
| Athletic director | Dave Heeke |
| Head coach | Jedd Fisch 3rd season, 10–21 (.323) |
| Stadium | Arizona Stadium (capacity: 50,782) |
| Year built | 1929 |
| Field surface | FieldTurf |
| Location | Tucson, Arizona |
| NCAA division | Division I FBS |
| Conference | Pac-12 |
| Division | South (2011–2021) |
| Past conferences | Independent (1899–1930) Border (1931–1961) WAC (1962–1977) |
| All-time record | 627–499–33 (.555) |
| Bowl record | 9–11–1 (.452) |
| Conference titles | 6 (1933, 1934, 1941, 1964, 1973, 1993) |
| Division titles | 1 (2014) |
| Rivalries | Arizona State (rivalry) New Mexico (rivalry) Texas Tech (rivalry) |
| Consensus All-Americans | 16[1] |
| Colors | Cardinal and navy[2] |
| Fight song | Bear Down, Arizona |
| Mascot | Wilbur and Wilma the Wildcat |
| Marching band | The Pride of Arizona |
| Outfitter | Nike |
| Website | ArizonaWildcats.com |
Arizona's inaugural season was in 1899. The school first played as an independent before joining a conference in 1931, when they became a member of the now-defunct Border Conference. They, alongside rival Arizona State (ASU), would became part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 1962. In 1978, both Arizona and ASU joined the Pac-12 Conference (then known as the Pac-10). They would be placed in the Pac-12 South Division when the conference realigned in 2011. Divisions within the Pac-12 were removed starting in the 2022 season, with the teams with the two best records in the conference making the conference title game.[3]
On August 4, 2023, Arizona announced it would join the Big 12 Conference beginning in the 2024–25 academic year.[4]
The Wildcats have won at least a share of six conference championships, as well as a Pac-12 South division title in 2014, and made 21 bowl appearances, one of which are among the “New Year's Six” bowls.
History edit
Arizona has had a long football history since it first played in 1899. Although the football program has been mostly playing in the shadow of the Wildcats’ elite basketball program in terms of winning and recruiting which has been leading to many mediocre and losing seasons,[5] it has, however, had successful winning seasons sporadically over the years, primarily during the early part of the 1990s when it had a dominant defense that was known to fans as the “Desert Swarm”.[6]
1899–1950s (Early history) edit
The varsity football program at the University of Arizona began in 1899, though the Wildcats nickname was not adopted until later.[7][8] Stuart Forbes became the first head coach of Arizona football history and the team compiled a 1–1–1 record.[9] From 1900 to 1901, William W. Skinner served as head football coach at the University of Arizona.[10] While there, he also studied geology. He guided Arizona to 3–1 and 4–1 records, respectively.[10] On November 7, 1914, the team traveled to the west coast to play Occidental, then one of the reigning gridiron powers in California. Occidental won 14–0. Arizona later received the name "Wildcats" after a Los Angeles Times correspondent, Bill Henry, wrote that "The Arizona men showed the fight of wildcats".[citation needed]
Pop McKale was a very successful high school coach in the Tucson area when he was hired at UA.[11] In 1921, Drop-kicker/receiver Harold "Nosey" McClellan led the nation in scoring with 124 points. Wildcats finished the regular season 7–1, and were invited to UA's first bowl game, the East-West Christmas Classic in San Diego, to play powerhouse Centre College of Kentucky; Arizona lost the game 38–0. The Wildcats did not compete in football in 1918 due to World War I. On October 18, 1926, UA quarterback and student body president John "Button" Salmon died from injuries sustained in a car wreck. His final words, spoken to coach "Pop" McKale, were: "Tell them.....tell the team to Bear Down."[12] Soon thereafter, the UA student body adopted "Bear Down" as the school's athletic motto.
On October 18, 1929, Arizona opened up Arizona Stadium for college football play. They won their first game against Caltech with a shutout score of 25–0. McKale retired after sixteen seasons at Arizona. The McKale Center, the Wildcats’ home basketball venue, was opened in 1973 and named in McKale's honor.[11] In 1931, Arizona joined the Border Conference and Fred Enke replaced McKale as coach and in one season as the head coach, he posted a record of 3–5–1[13] before getting demoted to assistant coach. Gus Farwick served as the head football coach at Arizona in 1932, compiling a record of 4–5[14] before his resignation. Tex Oliver coached the Arizona Wildcats to a 32–11–4 record in five seasons.[15] During that stretch, his teams never had a losing season.[15] Oliver's "Blue Brigade" played an expanded, more nationwide schedule, and Arizona produced their first All-Americans under Oliver. The team's 1938 record of 8–2 was a school best to date.[15] Oliver resigned after the 1937 season to accept the head football coach position at Oregon.[16] Orian Landreth replaced Oliver and struggled in his one season as head coach, compiling a 3–6 record[17] before he was fired. That season was the first losing season for the Wildcats in several years.
Mike Casteel came to Arizona from his post as an assistant coach at Michigan State. In his eight seasons (Arizona did not field football teams in 1943 or 1944 due to World War II), Casteel compiled a 46–26–3 record and led the Wildcats to the first bowl berth in three decades in his final season, a loss in the 1949 Salad Bowl to Drake.[18] Bob Winslow served as Arizona's head football coach for three seasons, posting a record of 12–18–1, with the team improving every year under his tutelage, going 2–7–1, 4–6 and 6–5 in Winslow's three years.[19] Winslow resigned after three seasons.
In 1954, under coach Warren Woodson, who came to Arizona from Hardin–Simmons, the Wildcats were led by starting halfback Art Luppino. He went on to lead the nation in rushing, scoring, all-purpose running, and kickoff returns.[20] Luppino became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in rushing twice.[20] He also tied for the national title in all-purpose running and was third in scoring.[20] Woodson was replaced after five seasons and a 26–22–2 record[21] and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1989. Ed Doherty came to Arizona from his post as an assistant coach for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.[22] In two seasons, Doherty compiled a record of 4–15–1[23] before getting fired. Doherty is the only person to serve as head football coach at both Arizona and archrival Arizona State.[24] Jim LaRue, formerly running backs coach at Houston, was hired to take over the program as head coach after Doherty's firing. LaRue's 1961 team finished 8–1–1 and finished the season ranked No. 17 in the final AP Poll.[25]
1960s–1977 (The WAC era) edit
In 1962, Arizona (and rival Arizona State) left the Border Conference and joined the Western Athletic Conference, and LaRue posted records of 5–5, 5–5, 6–3–1, 3–7 and 3–7 before being was fired due to poor results as well as pressure from fans and alumni.[25][26]
Darrell Mudra came to Arizona from North Dakota State in 1967 to lead the team after LaRue’s dismissal.[27] His first team posted a record of 3–6–1 but in his second year, Mudra's Wildcats posted a record of 8–3, capped with a loss to Auburn in the Sun Bowl, only the Wildcats third bowl appearance in school history and first since 1949.[28] Mudra left Arizona after two seasons to accept the head football coach position at Western Illinois.[29] His final record is 11–9–1.[27] Mudra was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2000.[27] In 1969, Bob Weber was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach following Mudra's departure.[30] Under Weber, the Wildcats were 16–26, with their best season being a 5–6 1971 season.[31] Weber failed to post a winning season as Arizona's head coach and was fired after four seasons.
In 1973, Jim Young, formerly defensive coordinator at Michigan, was hired to turn around the downtrodden Wildcats football program.[32] Improvement came immediately, as Young's team surprised the nation with an 8–3 record in his first season and shared the WAC title with Arizona State, Unfortunately, the Wildcats did not go to a bowl game due to losing the head-to-head rivalry game to ASU that season (at the time, only the outright conference winner earned a bowl since there were fewer bowl games available, unless a team from the same conference appears in a major bowl).[33] Young's Wildcats went on to post records of 9–2 in 1974 and 1975, the latter ending with a No. 13 and No. 18 ranking in the Coaches and AP polls, respectively (like in 1973, both seasons ended in no bowl appearances for the Wildcats due to them finishing second in the WAC).[33] In a rebuilding year, Young's team posted a 5–6 record in 1976 to cap Young's mark of 31–13 in four seasons.[33] Young departed Arizona after the 1976 season to accept the head football coach position at Purdue.[34] He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1999.[35]
By 1977, Arizona hired Tony Mason from Cincinnati to replace Young.[36] Under Mason, the Wildcats went 5–7, 5–6 and 6–5–1 for a combined record of 16–18–1.[37] The 1977 season was the last for Arizona as a member of the WAC.
1978–1980s (The early Pac-10 years) edit
Before the 1978 season, both Arizona schools accepted an invitation to join the Pacific 8 Conference (which became the Pac-10).[38] After a mediocre inaugural Pac-10 season, the Wildcats would rebound in 1979, and played in the Fiesta Bowl, ultimately losing to Pittsburgh.[37] Mason was let go as head coach after the season due to an alleged slush fund scandal involving him and the program during his tenure.[39]
Prior to the start of the 1980 season, Arizona hired Tulane coach Larry Smith, to replace Mason.[40] His first season was Arizona's third in the Pac-10. Smith put great emphasis on in-state recruiting, built up the rivalry with ASU, and focused the team on what he called "running and hitting". His first team went 5–6, including a 44–7 blowout loss to ASU; it would be his only losing season at Arizona. The highlight of the season was a 23–17 upset of second-ranked UCLA (the Bruins were poised to become No. 1 as top ranked Alabama had lost earlier in the day).[41] The team improved to 6–5 during his second season, highlighted by a major 13–10 upset of #1 USC on the road. It was Arizona’s first victory over a top-ranked team in program history.[42]
In 1982, the Wildcats improved and finished with a record of 6–4–1, which included upset victories over Notre Dame and rival ASU (with the latter being knocked out of the Rose Bowl as a result). However, Arizona was ineligible for a bowl game due to self-imposing a postseason ban prior to the start of the season as a result of the scandal under Mason’s watch. The NCAA would eventually punish the Wildcats by placing them on probation and barred them from bowl eligibility in the 1983–84 seasons.[43]
Despite the NCAA sanctions, Arizona continued to become competitive in the Pac-10 under Smith’s leadership, and began to dominate Arizona State, and by 1985, their bowl ban was lifted. They played in the Sun Bowl, where a tie with Georgia gave the Wildcats an 8–3–1 record. In 1986, they defeated ASU yet again and defeated North Carolina in the Aloha Bowl for their very first bowl victory and finished with a 9–3.[41] Seven Arizona players earned All-America honors during his tenure, including two-time consensus All-American linebacker Ricky Hunley and All-Americans linebacker Lamonte Hunley (Ricky's younger brother), Morris Trophy-winning center Joe Tofflemire, safety Allan Durden, placekicker Max Zendejas (who is known for kicking game-winning field goals against Arizona State in 1983 and 1985), linebacker Byron Evans, and safety Chuck Cecil (who is known for returning an interception for a touchdown in the win against ASU in 1986). Over twenty of Smith's Wildcats players went on to play professionally.[41] Smith departed after the season to accept the head football coach position at conference foe USC.[44] Smith ended has Arizona tenure with a 48–28–3 record. He died in 2008 and was voted as the second-best Wildcat football coach only behind his successor, Dick Tomey.
1990s–2000 (Tomey and the “Desert Swarm”) edit
In 1987, Tomey arrived in Arizona from Hawaii to replace Smith.[45] During his 14-season tenure with Arizona, he coached five future NFL first-round draft choices, 20 All-Americans, and 43 Pac-10 first team players.
His best teams were in the 1990s, highlighted by a tenacious defense nicknamed the "Desert Swarm." He led Arizona to at least ten wins in 1993 and 1998. Tomey resigned after the 2000 season.[46]
In Tomey’s first year, the Wildcats seemed to miss Smith’s presence and had to rebuild, leading to a season where they had three ties. However, Arizona would improve from 1988–90 as they started to win under Tomey, and won against North Carolina State in the Copper Bowl in 1989 (which was played at Arizona Stadium, the first time that the Wildcats played a bowl game on their home field). In 1990, the Wildcats would lose to Syracuse in the Aloha Bowl.
After missing the postseason in 1991, Arizona entered the 1992 season with Tomey on the hot seat due to the team’s poor record during the previous year. However, the so-called "Desert Swarm" defense began to dominate and was characterized by tough, hard-nosed tactics. Arizona led the nation in scoring defense and nose guard Rob Waldrop was a consensus All-American. The season included an upset victory over top-ranked Washington, which fans called the biggest Arizona win in the decade and the turning point for the program at the time.[47] It was also Arizona’s second win over a #1 team. The Desert Swarm would ultimately lead Arizona to a winning record. However, Arizona’s offense seemed to be overshadowed by the dominant performance by the “Swarm” and it led to them scoring fewer points, and lost to Baylor in the Sun Bowl (then known at the time as the John Hancock Bowl).
In 1993, the Swarm continued its dominance and it led to Arizona winning nine games in a season for the first time since 1975, and won a share of the Pac-10 title with UCLA and USC. However, the Wildcats split the two games against the two during the season, winning against the Trojans and losing to the Bruins, and it prevented Arizona from earning a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Wildcats would be invited to the 1994 Fiesta Bowl and the Desert Swarm led the way to a victory over Miami by a score of 29–0. It was the bowl game's first shutout in its history. Arizona ended the year with a 10–2 record, which was the first time in school history that the Wildcats won at least ten games or more in a season. The dominant Swarm, led by Waldrop and linebacker and future Super Bowl champion Tedy Bruschi, led the nation in total defense and rushing yards allowed. Waldrop would be named the Pac-10 defensive player of the year.
Arizona entered the 1994 season ranked sixth and were top contenders for the Rose Bowl and a possible national championship. Despite the continuation of the Desert Swarm’s dominance, Arizona’s offense, however was below-average at times and it led to Arizona dropping out of the Rose Bowl picture. The season ended with an 8–4 record and a loss to Utah in the Freedom Bowl.
After mediocre seasons from 1995-96, despite Bruschi winning the 1995 Pac-10 defensive player of the year award, Arizona ended the 1997 season with a win over old rival New Mexico in the Insight Bowl in only their second bowl game played at home.
By 1998, Arizona’s offense began to improve and started to dominate in the Pac-10, with fans nicknaming it the “Desert Storm” due to their performance and as a pun on the Desert Swarm name.[48] It led the team to a near-perfect record of 11–1, with the Wildcats being defeated by UCLA midway through the season that denied an outright Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth. A major highlight occurred earlier in the season when Arizona scored a memorable touchdown in the closing seconds against Washington, which led to a road victory. They would play in the Holiday Bowl and defeated Nebraska to end the year with 12 wins, eclipsing the 1993 record.[49] Arizona ended the season ranked fourth nationally in both the coaches and AP polls.
In 1999, the Wildcats were Rose Bowl and possible national title contenders. However in the season opener, they were humiliated by traditional powerhouse Penn State] and never recovered after that. By the 2000 season, Arizona’s offense became inconsistent and suffered a rivalry loss to Arizona State.[50] Tomey resigned under pressure after the season and it was mostly due to team’s inability to accomplish their goal of making it to the Rose Bowl.[51] He finished his tenure with a record of 95–64–4, with the 95 victories being the most by an Arizona coach. The Wildcats would decline in wins and went on a bowl game drought over the next several years, as well as consistently becoming overshadowed by Arizona’s basketball team. Tomey would become rated as the best coach in Wildcat football history and he died in 2019, eleven years after his predecessor, Larry Smith.
2000s (Decline and rebuild) edit
After the 2000 season, former Illinois and Texas head coach John Mackovic was hired to replace Tomey for the 2001 season.[52] Mackovic was a college football analyst at ESPN at the time of his hiring.
Mackovic's tenure became a disaster, as he alienated his players and failed to post a winning record in two and a half seasons in Tucson.[53][54] Also, he finished with a 10–18 record and never had a winning season or went to a bowl game.[55] In his first season, which was affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Wildcats narrowly missed a bowl game.
Midway through the 2002 season, Mackovic told one of his players that he was a disgrace to his family due to his poor performance (the player would later be arrested possessing 87 pounds of marijuana).[56][57] He also told another player to quit therapy or he would be kicked off the team. This and other incidents led 40 players (including future Pro Bowler Lance Briggs) to hold a secret meeting with school president Peter Likins. The players complained about Mackovic's constant verbal abuse, such as ugly tirades after losses. Mackovic offered a public apology to his players, the university, and fans.[58][59]
In 2003, however, whatever goodwill that he'd managed to restore quickly evaporated. Many players had lost their love for the game due to Mackovic's brusque manner and fans chanted “Fire Mackovic” during games. Five games into the season, Mackovic was fired and replaced on an interim basis by defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz for the rest of the season.[60] School officials said they had to act because it was obvious that the Wildcats would not win with Mackovic at the helm.[61] Mackovic was known as the worst Arizona coach in history (his predecessor, Dick Tomey, was the best). Arizona also had poor recruiting during Mackovic’s tenure that led to bad results, and were embarrassed by their opponents in most of their losses. The 2003 season was the worst in program history with a record of 2–10, with the ten losses being a school record at the time. Wildcat fans and nearly all of Tucson had seen enough of Mackovic and shifted their attention to basketball after the season ended.
In 2004, Arizona hired Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, brother of famed Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops, to become the Wildcats’ next coach. Stoops was hired to rebuild the team and to clean up the program's mess caused by Mackovic's troubles.[62] Arizona began rebuilding and went 3–8 in Stoops’ first two seasons, which included November upset victories over Arizona State in 2004 and UCLA in 2005.[63] However, due to his record at the time, Stoops’ job was in critical danger and his margin for error was very thin. In 2006, Stoops led the Wildcats to an improved 6–6 record,[63] the first non-losing season for the school since 1999 when the Wildcats also went 6–6.[64] The Wildcats upset California and became bowl-eligible. However, a rivalry loss to Arizona State and a losing conference record prevented them from earning a bowl bid.
Arizona entered the 2007 season with high expectations, but a sputtering offense early in the season and close losses put them at 2–6 and were in danger of missing yet another bowl and Stoops being placed on the hot seat. However, the Wildcats would rebound and go on a winning streak, which included an upset win over then-#2 Oregon. It was the fourth consecutive season that Arizona upset a ranked team at home in the month of November. Unfortunately, the Wildcats would lose to ASU in the season finale yet again with a 5–7 record and missing out on a bowl once more.
By 2008, the Wildcats told Stoops that he needed to make a bowl game or he would lose his job. However, Arizona improved and became bowl-eligible by defeating ASU for the first time since 2004, which saved Stoops’ job. With a 7–5 record, Arizona was invited to a bowl game for the first time since 1998 when Tomey was still the coach, and erased most of the memories of the Mackovic era. The Wildcats ultimately defeated BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl by a score of 31–21.[65]
In 2009, Arizona finished 8–5 for the second straight season.[63] However, the Wildcats would be embarrassed by Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl, which was a rematch of the 1998 meeting.[63][66] After the season ended, offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes left the Wildcats to become the head coach at Louisiana Tech (Dykes is currently the coach at TCU).[67] and defensive coordinator Mark Stoops, brother of both Mike and Bob, became the defensive coordinator at Florida State (he is now the head coach at Kentucky).[68] To replace them, Stoops promoted Bill Bedenbaugh and Seth Littrell to co-offensive coordinators, while promoting Tim Kish to be co-defensive coordinators with Greg Brown, who was hired from Colorado.
2010s (The Pac-12 era) edit
Arizona began the 2010 season with a possible shot at a Rose Bowl berth. However, they collapsed late in the season and lost to Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl by a score of 37–10.
Before the 2011 season began, the Pac-10 was renamed the Pac-12 after Utah and Colorado joined membership. The Wildcats began the year hoping to rebound and Stoops coaching for his job. After starting off with a win against Northern Arizona in the opener, Arizona would lose to a series of ranked teams and fans became incensed by the team's poor performance and began calling for Stoops to be fired. After the Wildcats continued to lose, Stoops was fired for good in early October, finishing with a 41–50 record in his seven and a half seasons as Arizona coach.[69] Arizona said that Stoops’ firing was a result of “the inability to win more games, below-average recruiting, and being unable to achieve the team’s goal to make a Rose Bowl appearance”, as well as Stoops’ frequently misbehavior towards officials on the sidelines (which was often seen during TV broadcasts of Arizona games). Kish, the team's defensive coordinator, was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[70] (Stoops returned to the Sooner program soon thereafter as defensive coordinator; Kish, who had known the Stoops brothers for many years, followed Stoops and joined the Sooner staff as the linebackers coach.)[71] Under Kish, the Wildcats partially rebounded and won three of the final six games to finish with a 4–8 record. The later years of the Stoops era featured quarterback Nick Foles breaking Arizona records, including the single-season and career records for most passing yards and touchdowns. Foles would later win a Super Bowl in 2017 for the Eagles.
After the conclusion of the 2011 season, Arizona hired Rich Rodriguez, former coach at Michigan and West Virginia, to become the Wildcats’ new coach for the 2012 season.[72] Rodriguez is considered a pioneer of a no huddle, run-oriented version of the spread offense, although a pass-first version was already being implemented by others.[73][74][75] Rodriguez hired Jeff Casteel, who served under him during his tenure at West Virginia, as the new defensive coordinator for Arizona.[76] Casteel is considered one of the top defensive coaches in the nation, and considered master of the 3–3–5 "odd stack" defense.[77]
In his first two seasons, Rodriguez took the Wildcats to 8–5 records, both of which ended in bowl victories, defeating Nevada in the New Mexico Bowl in 2012 after a wild comeback,[78] and winning the Independence Bowl over Boston College in 2013.[79] Major highlights of the 2012–13 seasons were big upset victories over ranked opponents, with Arizona defeating USC in the former year and Oregon in the latter. Also, in both seasons, the performance of running back Ka’Deem Carey led the Wildcat offense, and set Arizona records for rushing yards and touchdowns scored.
In 2014, the Wildcats completed a 10–2 regular season, only the third time in Arizona history that they won ten games in a season and the first since 1998. The solid performance, led by quarterback Anu Solomon, linebacker Scooby Wright III (who earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year among other honors), and running backs Terris Jones-Grigsby and Nick Wilson, led the Wildcats to the Pac-12 South Division title, which was the first divisional championship in program history, and advanced to the conference title game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where they were dominated by Oregon, 51–13, and led to Oregon clinching a spot in both the Rose Bowl and the inaugural College Football Playoff (Arizona had upset the Ducks earlier in the season for the second year in a row).[80] The Wildcats earned a berth in the Fiesta Bowl, the school's third major-bowl appearance, where they fell to Boise State. It was Arizona’s first appearance in a Fiesta Bowl since the 1993 season. They finished the season ranked 17th in the USA Today Coaches Poll]] and 19th in the AP poll. In addition to the upset of Oregon, highlights of the regular season included a comeback win over California on a Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play, a win over Washington on a last-second field goal, and outlasting Arizona State for the division championship.
In 2015, with most of their roster returning, Arizona started off as Pac-12 title contenders. However, they faltered during the second half of the season but still managed to earn a bowl bid. They finished with a record of 7–6 and defeated New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl, which was played on New Mexico’s campus in Albuquerque, similar to the Wildcats playing the Lobos in the Insight Bowl in 1997 that was played in Tucson.[81] Arizona did manage to pull off an overtime win against then-#10 Utah in the regular season in yet another November upset victory, mirroring the accomplishments that occurred during the early Stoops era.
After an injury-plagued 2016 season that kept them out of a bowl, the Wildcats recovered in 2017, becoming bowl-eligible and falling short against Purdue in the Foster Farms Bowl.[82] The Wildcats finished with a record of 7–6. After a 2–2 start to the season, Arizona turned things around under the performance of dual-threat option quarterback Khalil Tate, which became especially impressive. In an early October game against Colorado, Tate proceeded to run for 327 yards, an NCAA single-game record for quarterbacks, breaking the previous record of 316 set by Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch in 2013. Arizona went on to win the game, 45–42.[83] Tate was awarded the Pac-12 offensive player of the week and would lead the Wildcats on a winning streak. In addition, Tate was named Pac-12 offensive player of the week for four consecutive weeks – setting a conference record, and leading to him briefly being spoken of as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy.[84] However, Arizona’s defense would let the team down in November, and led to them losing their bowl game.
Rodriguez was dismissed as head coach on January 2, 2018, in the wake of an internal university investigation of sexual harassment claims made by Rodriguez' former administrative assistant.[85] Other factors in Rodriguez being fired was the lack of winning enough games that mattered as well as not bringing in elite recruiting classes to the program. Arizona was forced to find a new coach to rebuild the program.
To replace Rodriguez, Arizona hired Kevin Sumlin to take over the team. Sumlin was previously head coach at Texas A&M University and Houston.[86][87] Sumlin also became the first black football coach to lead the Wildcats.[88]
In his first season in 2018, Sumlin instituted a new offense and the Wildcats struggled to a 5–7 record. As the offense went in a new direction, Tate was unable to repeat his 2017 performance. After a poor start, the Wildcats would find their rhythm and started to win again. A low point to the season occurred in the finale in the rivalry game against Arizona State. With a potential chance at bowl-eligibility at stake, the Wildcats entered the final quarter thinking the game was over with a large lead, which led to a collapse and ultimately losing. In 2019, with Tate returning, Arizona went 4–1 early in the season but played poorly on defense and finished the year on a seven-game losing streak that included another rivalry loss to ASU for a 4–8 record.
2020s–present (Future and Big 12 move) edit
In 2020, the Wildcats played a truncated season with a conference-only schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season followed an offseason of poor recruiting and players taking COVID-19 opt-outs and Sumlin being placed on the hot seat.[89] Arizona continued to struggle on the field under Sumlin's watch and was embarrassed by rival Arizona State. Sumlin was fired after the season concluded and finished with a 0–3 record against ASU.[90] The sportswriters of the campus newspaper, the Arizona Daily Wildcat, expressed disapproval with Sumlin's leadership, the lack of production on defense, lack of quarterback protection, a toxic atmosphere in the locker room, players losing their enthusiasm, failure to bring in top-caliber recruits and an overall decline in the reputation of the Wildcat program;[91] it was also implied that connections to the Tucson community, and local and regional high school football coaches, suffered under Sumlin's tenure.[92][93] Wildcat defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads (a former head coach at Iowa State) served as the team's interim head coach; Rhoads joined the staff of the Ohio State football program in February.[94][95]
Soon after Sumlin was fired at the conclusion of the 2020 season, Arizona conducted a national coaching search. Former college and NFL coach Jedd Fisch (most recently the QB coach for the New England Patriots) was chosen as the Wildcats’ 32nd head football coach, as announced on December 23, 2020.[96] Fisch and San Jose State coach Brent Brennan (a former assistant under Wildcat coach Dick Tomey in his final year in Tucson, as well for a few seasons at San Jose State) were the two finalists for the opening. Fisch has previous ties to University of Arizona president Dr. Robert Robbins.[97] Fisch has extensive NFL assistant coaching experience (for five different franchises) and previously was a collegiate assistant at UCLA, Michigan, Minnesota[98] and Miami.[99] In Fisch's first season, the Wildcats earned a 1–11 record (1–8 in Pac-12 play), with their lone win (ending a 20-game losing streak) coming at home against California on November 6 (several players and coaches on the Golden Bears were out because of COVID-19).[100] On August 4, 2023, Arizona announced it would join the Big 12 Conference along with Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah beginning in the 2024–25 academic year.[101]
Conference affiliations edit
- Independent (1899–1930)
- Border Conference (1931–1961)
- WAC (1962–1977)
- Pac-12 Conference (1978–present)
- Pacific-10 Conference (1978–2010)
- Pac-12 Conference (2011–present)
- Big 12 Conference (starting 2024)
Head coaches edit
The following are the head coaches of the Arizona Wildcats.[102]: 101
| No. | Season | Names | Record | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | 1899 | Stuart Forbes | 1–1–1 | .500 |
| No. 2 | 1900–1901 | William W. Skinner | 7–2 | .778 |
| No. 3 | 1902 | Leslie Gillette | 5–0 | 1.000 |
| No. 4 | 1903–1904 | Orin A. Kates | 5–1–2 | .667 |
| No. 5 | 1905 | William M. Ruthrauff | 5–2 | .714 |
| No. 6 | 1908–1909 | H. B. Galbraith | 8–1 | .889 |
| No. 7 | 1910–1911 | George F. Shipp | 8–1–1 | .850 |
| No. 8 | 1912 | Raymond L. Quigley | 2–1 | .667 |
| No. 9 | 1913 | Frank A. King | 2–2 | .500 |
| No. 10 | 1914–1930 | Pop McKale | 80–32–6 | .703 |
| No. 11 | 1931 | Fred Enke | 3–5–1 | .389 |
| No. 12 | 1932 | August W. Farwick | 4–5 | .444 |
| No. 13 | 1933–1937 | Tex Oliver | 32–11–4 | .723 |
| No. 14 | 1938 | Orian Landreth | 3–6 | .333 |
| No. 15 | 1939–1948 | Mike Casteel | 46–26–3 | .633 |
| No. 16 | 1949–1951 | Bob Winslow | 12–18–1 | .403 |
| No. 17 | 1952–1956 | Warren B. Woodson | 26–22–2 | .540 |
| No. 18 | 1957–1958 | Ed Doherty | 4–15–1 | .225 |
| No. 19 | 1959–1966 | Jim LaRue | 41–37–2 | .525 |
| No. 20 | 1967–1968 | Darrell Mudra | 11–9–1 | .548 |
| No. 21 | 1969–1972 | Bob Weber | 16–26 | .381 |
| No. 22 | 1973–1976 | Jim Young | 31–13 | .705 |
| No. 23 | 1977–1979 | Tony Mason | 16–18–1 | .471 |
| No. 24 | 1980–1986 | Larry Smith | 48–28–3 | .627 |
| No. 25 | 1987–2000 | Dick Tomey | 95–64–4 | .595 |
| No. 26 | 2001–2003 | John Mackovic | 10–18 | .357 |
| 2003 | Mike Hankwitz (interim) | 1–6 | .143 | |
| No. 27 | 2004–2011 | Mike Stoops | 41–50 | .451 |
| 2011 | Tim Kish (interim) | 3–3 | .500 | |
| No. 28 | 2012–2017 | Rich Rodriguez | 43–35 | .551 |
| No. 29 | 2018–2020 | Kevin Sumlin | 9–20 | .310 |
| No. 30 | 2021–present | Jedd Fisch | 10–21 | .323 |
Coaching staff edit
| Arizona Wildcats | |||
| Name | Position | Consecutive season at Arizona in current position | Previous position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brennan Carroll | Offensive coordinator / offensive line | 3rd | Seattle Seahawks – Offensive line (2020) |
| Johnny Nansen | Defensive coordinator / Inside linebackers | 2nd | UCLA – Defensive line (2020-21) |
| Scottie Graham | Associate head coach for offense / running backs | 3rd | Arizona State – Assistant athletic director (2014–2020) |
| John Richardson | Assistant head coach for defense / cornerbacks | 1st | Washington State (2021-2022) |
| Jimmie Dougherty | Assistant head coach for offense / quarterbacks/pass game coordinator | 3rd | UCLA - (2017–2020) |
| Kevin Cummings | Assistant head coach for offense/Wide receivers | 3rd | San Jose State – Wide receivers (2017–2020) |
| Jordan Paopao | Assistant head coach for offense/Tight ends/Co-Special teams coordinator | 3rd | UNLV – Tight ends (2020) |
| Ricky Hunley | Assistant head coach for defense/ defensive line | 3rd | |
| Chuck Cecil | Assistant head coach for defense/safeties | 3rd | Arizona – Defensive analyst (2018–2020) |
| Tyler Owens | Associate head coach / director of football strength & conditioning | 3rd | Alabama – Assistant of football strength & conditioning (2015–2020) |
| Reference:[103] | |||
Championships edit
Conference championships edit
Arizona has claimed at least a share of six conference titles.[104]: 149–150
| Season | Conference | Coach | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Border Conference | Tex Oliver | 4–0 | 7–2 |
| 1936 | Border Conference | Tex Oliver | 3–0–1 | 5–2–3 |
| 1941† | Border Conference | Miles W. Casteel | 5–0 | 7–3 |
| 1964† | Western Athletic Conference | Jim LaRue | 3–1 | 6–3–1 |
| 1973† | Western Athletic Conference | Jim Young | 6–1 | 8–3 |
| 1993† | Pacific-10 Conference | Dick Tomey | 6–2 | 10–2 |
† Co-champions
Division championships edit
The Wildcats claimed the South Division title of the Pac-12 in 2014.
Bowl games edit
Arizona has appeared in 21 bowl games, posting an overall record of 9–11-1. The team's most recent appearance in a bowl game was a 45–37 win against New Mexico at the 2015 New Mexico Bowl.
The team's first bowl game was the 1968 Sun Bowl, under coach Darrell Mudra. The Wildcats lost to the Auburn Tigers 34–10 in that contest. The team's next bowl game came in 1993 when Arizona began a streak of 5 straight bowl appearances under coach Dick Tomey that lasted through the 1998 season. This is the 5th-longest bowl streak in college football history.[105]
Arizona has been invited six times to one of the "New Year's Six" major bowl games (the Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, Orange, Cotton, and Peach Bowls), including two appearances in CFP in 2014 and Bowl Coalition game in 1993.
Not included in this tally of bowl games is Arizona's first "post-season" game, played in 1921 against the Centre Colonels during the San Diego East-West Christmas Classic. Arizona lost that game 38–0. Also not included is the 1992 "Salad Bowl", against the Drake Bulldogs, Arizona lost that game 14–13.
| Bowl game | No. of appearances | First year | Last year | Bowl record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Bowl | 3 | 1968 | 1992 | 0–2–1 |
| Cactus Bowl | 2 | 1989 | 1997 | 2–0 |
| Fiesta Bowl | 2 | 1979 | 2014 | 1–1 |
| Holiday Bowl | 2 | 1998 | 2009 | 1–1 |
| New Mexico Bowl | 2 | 2012 | 2015 | 2–0 |
| Alamo Bowl | 1 | 2009 | 2009 | 0–1 |
| Aloha Bowl | 2 | 1986 | 1990 | 1–1 |
| Independence Bowl | 1 | 2013 | 2013 | 1–0 |
| Las Vegas Bowl | 1 | 2008 | 2008 | 1–0 |
| Foster Farms Bowl | 1 | 2017 | 2017 | 0–1 |
| Freedom Bowl | 1 | 1994 | 1994 | 0-1 |
All-time series records edit
Arizona's season records are from the record books of the university's athletic association. Through October 14, 2023, Arizona has compiled an overall record of 627 wins, 498 losses, and 33 ties (including post-season bowl games).
All-time record against current Pac-12 teams edit
| Opponent | W-L-T (Percentage) | Streak (W/L) | First Year | Last Year | Next Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 50–45–1 (.526) | W1 | 1899 | 2022 | 2023 |
| California | 19–15–2 (.571) | L1 | 1978 | 2022 | TBD |
| Colorado | 9–16–0 (.360) | W1 | 1931 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Oregon | 17–29–0 (.370) | L3 | 1937 | 2022 | TBD |
| Oregon State | 24–16–1 (.598) | L1 | 1966 | 2019 | 2023 |
| Stanford | 15–17–0 (.452) | W1 | 1978 | 2023 | TBD |
| UCLA | 18–27–2 (.404) | W1 | 1927 | 2022 | 2023 |
| USC | 8–38–0 (.174) | L10 | 1916 | 2023 | TBD |
| Utah | 19–25–2 (.435) | L5 | 1924 | 2021 | 2023 |
| Washington | 11–25–1 (.311) | L6 | 1978 | 2021 | TBD |
| Washington State | 28–18–2 (.600) | W1 | 1963 | 2023 | TBD |
| Totals | 218-271-9(.447) |
Arizona plays Pac-12 North opponents California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington, and Washington State along with Pac-12 South foe Arizona State on an annual basis. The other Pac-12 North teams are played on a six-year rotation, with the added possibility of meeting in the PAC-12 Championship Game.
All-time record against future Big 12 teams edit
| Opponent | W-L-T (Percentage) | Streak (W/L) | First Year | Last Year | Next Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 50–45–1 (.526) | W1 | 1899 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Baylor | 0–1–0 (.000) | L1 | 1992 | 1992 | TBD |
| BYU | 12–12–1 (.500) | L3 | 1936 | 2021 | TBD |
| Colorado | 9–16–0 (.360) | W1 | 1931 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Cincinnati | 0–0–0 (–) | – | – | – | TBD |
| Houston | 1–3–0 (.250) | L2 | 1969 | 2018 | TBD |
| Iowa State | 4–1–1 (.750) | W2 | 1948 | 1968 | TBD |
| Kansas | 2–3–1 (.417) | L1 | 1937 | 1966 | TBD |
| Kansas State | 5–1–1 (.786) | W1 | 1947 | 1978 | TBD |
| Oklahoma State | 4–5–0 (.444) | W1 | 1931 | 2012 | TBD |
| TCU | 1–1–0 (.500) | L1 | 1999 | 2003 | TBD |
| Texas Tech | 5–26–2 (–) | W1 | 1932 | 2019 | TBD |
| UCF | 0–0–0 (–) | – | – | – | TBD |
| Utah | 19–25–2 (.435) | L5 | 1924 | 2021 | 2023 |
| West Virginia | 0–0–0 (–) | – | – | – | TBD |
| Totals | 100-139-9(.421) |
All-time record against in-state opponents edit
The University of Arizona's athletic program operated with a limited budget for the first several years after its establishment in 1899. To reduce travel costs, early Arizona football teams played limited slates of games, mostly against squads from nearby schools. Local scheduling resulted in the development of gridiron rivalries with several in-state private colleges, most notably Arizona State and Northern Arizona.
| Opponent | W-L-T (Percentage) | Streak (W/L) | First Year | Last Year | Next Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 50–45–1 (.526) | W1 | 1899 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Northern Arizona | 16–2–0 .889 | W1 | 1932 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Totals | 66-47-1(.583) |
All records accurate as of the conclusion of the 2022 season
College Football Playoff rankings and polls edit
- College Football Playoff rankings
- Preseason polls
- Final polls
Rivalries edit
Arizona State edit
The primary rival of the Wildcats is Arizona State. Both teams are members of the South Division of the Pac-12. The annual matchup the two schools is known as the "Duel in the Desert." The winner receives the Territorial Cup trophy. Originating in 1899, the Wildcats lost the first game by a score of 11–2. Arizona leads the series at 50–45–1 through the end of the 2022 season.[106]
New Mexico edit
A major rival of the Wildcats in the 1900s was against the New Mexico Lobos. The series was intense until the annual matchup was canceled after the 1990 season. Both teams have met twice in bowl games, with Arizona winning both, as they won the 1997 Insight.com Bowl and the 2015 New Mexico Bowl. Arizona leads the head-to-head series at 44–20–3 with the most recent game played in 2015.[107] They have a non-conference game scheduled in Tucson for 2024.[108]
Texas Tech edit
Historically, Arizona and Texas Tech were rivals in the now-defunct Border Conference, playing every year from 1946 to 1959.[3] In 1932, Texas Tech won the first ever meeting, which was played on their campus in Lubbock, 21–0.[4] Arizona won their first match up in the series on November 11, 1936, 7–6 (their only win in Lubbock to date).[5] Texas Tech has been mostly dominant in the series, including winning 15 straight games from 1937 to 1958, with games not being played in 1943 or 1944 due to World War II. The first 18 match-ups occurred while both programs were members of the Border Conference. Following 16 games were non-conference matchups with Texas Tech joining the Southwest Conference, in 1956, and later the Big 12 Conference, in 1996. Arizona stayed in the Border Conference until it joined the Western Athletic Conference, in 1962, and then the Pac-10 Conference, in 1978.
Home Stadium and facilities edit
Arizona Stadium edit
Arizona plays its home games at Arizona Stadium, located on the campus in Tucson, Arizona. The stadium capacity is 50,800 as of 2022.[102]
Lowell-Stevens Football Facility edit
The 187,000 square foot facility houses the football programs weight room, locker room, medical treatment room, players lounge, cafeteria, coaches' offices, auditorium for team meetings, as well as a media room.[109] The facility also offers 4,200 chair seating, as well as 500 premium seating.[110]
Traditions edit
Logos and uniforms edit
Starting in the 2010 season, Arizona wore new uniforms. They are simplified versions of the uniforms worn from 2005 to 2009, with the addition of a white helmet with a red-white-blue stripe. The team may use any combination of its two helmets, three jerseys and three pants. On September 29, 2012, the Wildcats unveiled a new copper helmet and for the Territorial Cup game later that season, they unveiled an all-red helmet.
On September 20, 2015, the Wildcats unveiled a new "chrome red" helmet which they wore on September 26, 2015, against the UCLA Bruins.
On August 4, 2021, Arizona announced it would be going back to an updated version of their "Desert Swarm" uniforms worn during the Dick Tomey era.[111]
Individual accomplishments edit
National winners edit
This section needs editing for compliance with Wikipedia's Manual of Style. (December 2017) |
| University honors
| Defensive honors
Special teams
|
Conference awards edit
|
|
Heisman voting edit
Arizona has had two players finish in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting as of 2017.
| Year | Name | Pos | Finish | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ka'Deem Carey | RB | 10th | [118][119] |
| 2014 | Scooby Wright III | LB | 9th | [120][121] |
All-Americans edit
Hall of Fame inductees edit
Canadian Football Hall of Fame edit
There are two former Wildcat players inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
| Player | Pos. | Years | CFL Team(s) | Inducted | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Urness | C | 1958–1960 | Saskatchewan Roughriders (1961–1970) | 1989 | [122] |
| Terry Vaughn | WR | 1990–1993 | Calgary Stampeders (1995–1998) Edmonton Eskimos (1999–2004) Montreal Alouettes (2005) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2006) | 2011 | [123] |
College Football Hall of Fame edit
Arizona has four former players and three former coaches who have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as of 2017.[104]: 63
| Player | Pos. | Career | Inducted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren B. Woodson | Head coach | 1952–1956 | 1989 |
| Ricky Hunley | LB | 1980–1983 | 1997 |
| Jim Young | Head coach | 1973–1976 | 1999 |
| Darrell Mudra | Head coach | 1967–1968 | 2000 |
| Chuck Cecil | DB | 1984–1987 | 2009 |
| Rob Waldrop | DL | 1990–1993 | 2011 |
| Tedy Bruschi | LB | 1991–1995 | 2013 |
Future opponents edit
Annual Pac-12 South opponents edit
Arizona has played each of the other members of the Pac-12 Division every year since the Pac-12 expanded to an eight-game league schedule in 2011. Arizona's annual conference opponents are Arizona State, Colorado, USC, UCLA and Utah, usually scheduled in that order. The Territorial Cup is played annually in Tucson and Tempe.
Pac-12 North opponents edit
In addition to six games against Northern division opponents, Arizona plays two games against Northern division opponents. The other six Pac-12 North Division teams rotate on a six-year cycle, with the Arizona playing every Southern division team once every six years (twice every 12 years) with alternating home and away games.[124]
The winners of the North and South divisions meet in the Pac-12 Championship Game, potentially creating a rematch of a regular season contest. Arizona has played in 1st Pac-12 Championship Game in 2014, when they won over Oregon in the regular season and lost again in the Pac-12 championship.
Non-conference opponents edit
Announced non-conference schedules as of March 31, 2022.[125]
| Season | Date | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 31 | New Mexico (G5 – MW) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 7 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 14 | at Kansas State (P5 – TBD ) | Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium • Manhattan, Kansas | |
| 2025 | August 30 | Hawaii (G5 – MW) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 6 | Weber State (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 13 | Kansas State (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2026 | September 5 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 12 | at TBD (P5 – TBD) | TBD • TBD | |
| September 19 | Northern Illinois (G5 – MAC) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2027 | September 4 | at Colorado State (G5 – MW) | Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado |
| September 11 | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 18 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2028 | September 2 | Colorado State (G5 – MW) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 9 | Prairie View A&M (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 16 | at Nebraska (P5 – Big Ten) | Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, Nebraska | |
| 2029 | August 25 | at Hawaii (G5 – MW) | Aloha Stadium • Honolulu, Hawaii |
| September 8 | Virginia Tech (P5 – ACC) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 15 | Air Force (G5 – MW) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2030 | August 30 | at Virginia Tech (P5 – ACC) | Lane Stadium • Blacksburg, Virginia |
| September 7 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 14 | Wyoming (G5 – MW) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2031 | August 30 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 6 | at Air Force (G5 – MW) | Falcon Stadium • Colorado Springs, Colorado | |
| September 13 | Nebraska (P5 – Big Ten) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2032 | September 4 | at Alabama (P5 – SEC) | Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| September 11 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | TBD | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| 2033 | September 3 | Alabama (P5 – SEC) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| September 10 | Northern Arizona (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| September 17 | at Wyoming (G5 – MW) | War Memorial Stadium • Laramie, Wyoming | |
| 2034 | September 9 | TBD (P5 – TBD) | TBD • TBD |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2035 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2036 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2037 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2038 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2039 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD | |
| 2040 | TBD | TBD (P5 – TBD) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona |
| TBD | TBD (FCS) | Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona | |
| TBD | at TBD (G5 – TBD) | TBD |
- Neutral site game
- P5 School is an opponent from a Power 5 Conference.
- FBS Ind. School is a Division I FBS independent school
- G5 School is an opponent from a Group of Five Conference
- FCS School is an opponent from the Football Championship Subdivision
Recruiting edit
Since 2002, Arizona has been ranked in the Top 25 in recruiting ranking by multiple ranking services.
| Year | National rank | Commits |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 | |
| 2022 | 25 | |
| 2021 | 17 | |
| 2020 | 22 |
Media edit
- Radio flagship: KCUB (AM) - 1290 AM in Tucson, Arizona
- Spanish-language radio flagship: KTKT (990 AM) – branded La Buena 94.3 1020-AM in Tucson, AZ
- Broadcasters: Brian Jeffries (play-by-play) and Lamont Lovett (color analyst)
- Spanish-language broadcasters: Francisco Romero (play-by-play) and Luis Hernandez (analyst)
- Past broadcasters:
The current flagship radio station for Wildcat football and men's basketball is Tucson sports radio station KCUB, branded as “Wildcats Radio 1290”. From 1983 until 2004, the flagship station was news/talk radio station KNST. The primary play-by-play voice of Wildcat football, baseball and men's basketball, since 1987, is Brian Jeffries (after starting out as the color commentator for former CBS Sports announcer Ray Scott, who called Wildcats games from 1984 through the spring of 1987). The Phoenix radio affiliate for Arizona Wildcats football and men's basketball is KGME, branded as "Fox Sports 910."
- Public address announcer: Jeff Dean
Previously: Jimmy Zasa
See also edit
- Arizona Wildcats
- University of Arizona traditions
- List of Arizona Wildcats home football stadiums
- List of Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association football champions
- List of Western Athletic Conference football champions
- List of Pac-12 Conference football champions
- List of NCAA Division I FBS football programs
References edit
- ^ "NCAA Football Award Winners" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. 2014. pp. 13–18. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
- ^ "Colors | University of Arizona Brand Resources". Retrieved September 9, 2022.
- ^ "Pac-12 scraps divisions starting in the 2022 college football season".
- ^ Robbins, Robert C. (August 4, 2023). "University of Arizona Will Join the Big 12 Conference in 2024-25". University of Arizona Athletics.
- ^ "Overshadowed by basketball, Arizona football looks to recapture winning success". Arizona Daily Star. April 14, 2001.
- ^ "Remembering the Cats' 'Desert Swarm' era". Tucson Citizen. August 31, 2004.
- ^ George Moore (March 8, 1938). "47 Years of Arizona Collegiate Football". The Arizona Republic. p. 10.
- ^ "The First Football Team, 1899". University of Arizona. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
- ^ "Arizona Football History Database". Nationalchamps.net. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ a b Will Skinner September 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, College Football Data Warehouse, retrieved June 2, 2010.
- ^ a b Greg Hansen Arizona Daily Star (2011-08-21). "Greg Hansen: 'Pop' was the father of athletics at UA". Azstarnet.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ Gimino, Anthony (2013-07-21). "John Button Salmon taught UA how to 'bear down'". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Fred Enke Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Gus Farwick Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ a b c "Tex Oliver Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ Foster, Chris (April 13, 1988). "Services Set Today for G.A. (Tex) Oliver". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Orian Landreth Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Miles Casteel Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Robert Winslow Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ a b c Gimino, Anthony (2013-08-28). . Tucsoncitizen.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-05. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Warren Woodson Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Times Daily - Google News Archive Search". Times Daily – via Google News Archive Search.
- ^ "Edward Doherty Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Ed Doherty – Pima County Sports Hall of Fame".
- ^ a b . Wildaboutazcats.net. 2013-05-24. Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Ocala Star-Banner" – via Google News Archive Search.
- ^ a b c "Former Coach Darrell Mudra Named to Football Hall of Fame – The University of Arizona Official Athletic Site". Arizonawildcats.com. 2000-04-24. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Darrell Mudra Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ . February 22, 2014. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014.
- ^ Opinion by Greg Hansen (2008-11-05). "Opinion by Greg Hansen : Former UA football coach 'was a character guy'". Azstarnet.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ "Bob Weber Coaching Record – College Football at". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-07-26.
- ^ Star, Arizona Daily. "Strack, who ushered UA into Pac-10 and hired Snowden, dies at 90".
- ^ a b c "Jim Young Coaching Record". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Ex-purdue, Army Coach Finds Happiness As Arizona Assistant". Chicago Tribune. November 6, 1992.
- ^ "Walker heads listof 14 Hall of Fame inductees".
- ^ "The Tuscaloosa News" – via Google News Archive Search.
- ^ a b "Tony Mason Coaching Record". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "UA, ASU officially join new Pac-10 conference". Arizona Daily Star. July 2, 1978.
- ^ "Tony Mason Is Hired". The New York Times. July 26, 1981.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
- ^ a b c Larry Smith: 1939–2008 May 8, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Arizonaathletics.com, January 28, 2008.
- ^ ARIZONA UPSETS U.S.C., 13–10, Associated Press (The New York Times paid archive, free abstract available), October 11, 1981.
- ^ "UA football program handed down punishment by NCAA in wake of fraud scandal". Arizona Daily Star. May 21, 1983.
- ^ Florence, Mal (January 3, 1987). "Larry Smith, the 'Outside' Choice, Named USC Football Coach". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Tomey Is Coach at Arizona". Los Angeles Times. January 14, 1987.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
- ^ "Wildcats shut down top-ranked Washington for massive upset". The Arizona Republic. November 8, 1992.
- ^ "Operation 'Desert Storm'? Wildcat offense on a mission". Tucson Citizen. November 9, 1998.
- ^ "Dick Tomey Coaching Record". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "ASU vs. Arizona: Territorial Cup all-time results".
- ^ "The Wildcats' longtime coach quits after losing to ASU". CNN.
- ^ "Sun Journal" – via Google News Archive Search.
- ^ "John Mackovic was the worst". 16 August 2015.
- ^ "'I stopped loving football because of Coach Mackovic'". 5 November 2003.
- ^ "John Mackovic Coaching Record". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "ESPN.com: NCF – Emotional Mackovic apologizes to players". static.espn.go.com.
- ^ "ESPN.com: NCF – Arizona's Levasseur arrested with 87 pounds of marijuana". a.espncdn.com.
- ^ Fish, Mike: "Apologies or No Apologies, Mackovic Has Had It", CNNSI.com, November 15, 2002.
- ^ Arizona's Mackovic vows to change after player uprising August 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Associated Press, 2002-11-15.
- ^ "Arizona, off to 1–4 start, fires Mackovic". September 29, 2003.
- ^ Bernstein, Viv. Lack of Communication doomed Mackovic. The New York Times, 2003-9-30.
- ^ "Arizona Hires Mike Stoops". Los Angeles Times. November 30, 2003.
- ^ a b c d "Mike Stoops Coaching Record". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "1999 Arizona Wildcats Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Las Vegas Bowl: Arizona 31, BYU 21". 21 December 2008.
- ^ "Arizona vs. Nebraska — Game Recap". ESPN.com. December 30, 2009.
- ^ "Louisiana Tech hires Dykes as new head coach". January 21, 2010.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
- ^ "Arizona Wildcats fire Mike Stoops as coach after 1-5 start".
- ^ (Press release). University of Arizona Athletics Department. October 10, 2011. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011.
- ^ Travis Haney (January 25, 2012). "It's official: Tim Kish will join OU football coaching staff". The Oklahoman. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Arizona announces Rodriguez hire on Twitter". 21 November 2011.
- ^ Lang, Arne. . Archived from the original on November 20, 2006.
- ^ Davie, Bob (25 May 2006). "Football 101: Mountaineers spread the wealth".
- ^ May, Tim. "College football: Spread option remains in vogue". Retrieved 2007-08-09.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Crow, Alfie (January 11, 2012). "Jeff Casteel Reunited With Rich Rodriguez, Named Arizona's Defensive Coordinator".
- ^ Ryan Finley (January 14, 2012). "UA football: Arizona football: Casteel leaves roots, takes pay cut to fix UA defense". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
- ^ Kercheval, Ben (December 15, 2012). . Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
- ^ "Arizona cruises past Boston College 42–19". CNN.
- ^ Schroeder, George. "Oregon dominates Arizona 51–13 to win Pac-12; next stop, playoff". USA TODAY.
- ^ "2015 Arizona Wildcats Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ Lev, Michael. "Foster Farms Bowl: Khalil Tate's career performance not enough as Wildcats fall to Purdue 38–35". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
- ^ Lev, Michael. "Khalil Tate's record-setting performance propels Arizona Wildcats past Colorado". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
- ^ "Khalil Tate for Heisman? We break down the Arizona QB's chances". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
- ^ "Updated timeline: How Rich Rodriguez's firing unraveled at Arizona, which led the Wildcats to Kevin Sumlin". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
- ^ "University of Arizona fires football coach Rich Rodriguez". www.abc15.com. 3 January 2018.
- ^ "Arizona Selects Kevin Sumlin to Lead its Football Program – Arizona, University of". Arizona, University of. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- ^ "'It's a historical day': UA introduces first African-American head football coach". 16 January 2018.
- ^ Cluff, Jeremy (January 20, 2020). "Arizona Wildcats' Kevin Sumlin among college football coaches on hot seat entering 2020". Arizona Republic. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Arizona football coach Kevin Sumlin dismissed after three seasons". ESPN. Retrieved 2020-12-12.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Roundtable: What has been the worst part about the Wildcats' historic losing streak?". The Daily Wildcat. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Wildcats build on 'It's personal' mantra; DC Don Brown had 'easy decision'". Arizona Sports. 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Lev, Michael. "Why Kevin Sumlin didn't pan out as head coach of the Arizona Wildcats". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Jackson, Wilton. "Arizona Wildcats Fire HC Kevin Sumlin". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Kaufman, Joey. "Ohio State football adds former Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads to support staff". Buckeye Xtra. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Lev, Michael (December 23, 2020). "Wildcats name Jedd Fisch new head coach; comes endorsed by Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll". Arizona Daily Star. from the original on 2020-12-24.
- ^ "Pats' Fisch replaces Sumlin as Arizona's coach". ESPN.com. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Gophers may be losing offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, who reportedly is expected to join Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks staff". Twin Cities. 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Coaching Profile: Jedd Fisch". WildcatAuthority.com. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Arizona ends 20-game skid vs. depleted Cal team". ESPN.com. 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ Robbins, Robert C. (August 4, 2023). "University of Arizona Will Join the Big 12 Conference in 2024-25". University of Arizona Athletics.
- ^ a b "2022 Arizona Football Media Guide" (PDF). University of Arizona Athletic Department. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
- ^ "2023 Football Coaching Staff". arizonawildcats.com.
- ^ a b "2017 Arizona Wildcat Media Guide". arizonawildcats.com (PDF). Arizona Wildcats Athletics. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- ^ . College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "Winsipedia – Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils football series history". Winsipedia.
- ^ "Arizona Wildcats vs. New Mexico Lobos football series history". Winsipedia.
- ^ "FUTURE ARIZONA FOOTBALL SCHEDULES".
- ^ Gimino, Anthony. "UA: Inside the Lowell-Stevens football facility". AZCentral.com.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2019-12-18. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
- ^ "Arizona brings back the Desert Swarm uniform". 4 August 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
- ^ . Archived from the original on April 25, 2013.
- ^ . Tucson Citizen. August 28, 2013. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
- ^ . Tucson Citizen. July 19, 2013. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ College Football Awards – The Outland Trophy 2008-05-03 at the Wayback Machine. Football.about.com (April 10, 2012). Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ College Football Awards – Jim Thorpe Award 2016-04-02 at the Wayback Machine. Football.about.com (April 10, 2012). Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ Previous Winners | PB Sports Commission – Lou Groza. Lougrozaaward.com. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "Arizona Wildcats running back Ka'Deem Carey 10th in Heisman voting". Tucson.com.
- ^ "2013 Heisman Trophy Voting". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Marcus Mariota of Oregon Ducks wins Heisman Trophy". ESPN.com. 14 December 2014.
- ^ "2014 Heisman Trophy Voting". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
- ^ "Harold Edward "Ted" Urness".
- ^ "Terry Vaughn".
- ^ (PDF). Pac12.com. November 5, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2012.
- ^ "Arizona Wildcats Football Schedules and Future Schedules". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
External links edit
- Official website