Arizona’s football program is poised to enter the 2026 season with perhaps its deepest stable of running backs in school history. The Wildcats have assembled a six‑player backfield that blends proven veterans with emerging sophomores, a depth chart that could redefine how the offense approaches the ground game.
Depth Over Quantity
The coaching staff has emphasized daily performance evaluations, ensuring that each carrier gets ample opportunity to prove himself in practice. With limited reps available in college football, the message is clear: every snap must be maximized.
Among the contributors are Kewan Mahdi, who led the team with 859 rushing yards last season, and Antwan Roberts, a Marshall transfer who posted 512 yards and four touchdowns in his final year. Sophomores Cornelius Warren and Wesley Yarbrough add youthful speed, while Kedrick Reescano, entering his third year, brings experience that could challenge for a starting role.
Arizona’s backs have already shown they can handle a heavy workload, averaging nearly 170 rushing yards per game last season when sack yardage is excluded. The depth allows the staff to rotate players without a drop in production.
Beyond raw carries, the unit’s success will hinge on its ability to block on pass plays and remain a reliable outlet for quarterback Noah Fifita. Defenses that drop multiple receivers into coverage will test the backs’ readiness, but the coaching staff believes the group is prepared to meet the challenge.