Arizona Wildcats Eye a Breakout Season in the Big 12
The 2026 Arizona Wildcats arrive on the national stage unranked in the Associated Press preseason top 25, yet they carry 32 votes that place them fourth among all receiving votes. The quiet optimism stems from a schedule that pits the team against a slate of Big 12 powerhouses, including Texas Tech, BYU, Utah and Houston.
Last season the Wildcats climbed as high as No. 21 after a decisive win over Arizona State in the Territorial Cup, only to tumble out of the rankings following a loss to Kansas State. That experience left a imprint on head coach Brent Brennan’s squad, who now blend veteran leadership with fresh talent eager to prove the poll’s skeptics wrong.
Media outlets have already penciled Texas Tech into the top spot, forecasting a conference showdown that could reshape the standings. Arizona is projected to finish tied for third alongside Houston, while BYU and Utah sit among the preseason top five. The depth of the league is underscored by four ranked teams — Texas Tech at No. 11, BYU at No. 14, Utah at No. 21 and Houston at No. 23 — signaling a tightly contested battle for the championship.
The Wildcats open the season against Northern Arizona on September 5, a non‑conference matchup that will serve as the first test of their revamped roster. Subsequent games against BYU in early September, Texas Tech in late October and Utah in mid‑November will provide a clear gauge of where Arizona stands as the season unfolds.