
BYU Cougars Gear Up for Big 12 Opener Against Arizona Wildcats
The BYU Cougars will welcome the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, September 12, in the opening conference game of the Big 12 season, contested at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Noah Fifita across Football.

The BYU Cougars will welcome the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, September 12, in the opening conference game of the Big 12 season, contested at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.

With Raider Damuni sidelined, Tommy Prassas steps into the starting safety role, Nusi Taumoepeau takes over at linebacker, and Cannon DeVries assumes kick return duties, all while Kelly Poppinga hints at a possible Damuni return before the Notre Dame game.

The 2026 Big 12 season is shaping up with bold forecasts for offensive and defensive player awards, coach of the year honors, and a championship showdown that could see Texas Tech triumph over BYU, with Utah also in contention.

Raider Damuni, a fourth‑year safety for BYU, suffered a leg injury in the season opener but says he will not miss the entire year, as the Cougars await MRI results and consider their options at safety.

BYU rolled past Utah Tech 63‑7 behind standout freshman contributions and quarterback Bear Bachmeier, while Arizona beat Northern Arizona 35‑7, showing defensive dominance but committing three turnovers that could prove costly against BYU’s elite offense.

The BYU Cougars open their 2026 Big 12 schedule on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, facing a Arizona Wildcats squad led by returning quarterback Noah Fifita, with betting lines positioning the Cougars as seven‑to‑nine‑and‑a‑half point favorites.

The Wildcats defeated Northern Arizona 35‑7, with Fifita throwing two touchdowns and the defense holding the opposition under 200 yards, setting a positive tone for the season.

The Arizona Wildcats opened the 2026 season with a 35‑7 win over Navajo Nation University, showcasing a stout defense, a passing attack that pushed quarterback Noah Fifita into second place on the career list, and a glimpse of the challenges ahead against BYU.

The Wildcats opened the 2026 college football season with a decisive win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, showcasing early‑season momentum and strategic execution.

The 2026 Big 12 football season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with several teams eyeing playoff spots despite shifting rankings and roster changes.
The 2026 quarterback class blends returning starters with high‑profile transfers, offering a mix of proven talent and uncertain newcomers. Injuries, offensive line stability and early‑season tests will determine which names rise to the top.

Arizona Wildcats coach Brent Brennan's 'Bear Down Brotherhood' transforms family bonds into on‑field competition, spotlighting brother pairs and historic rivalries.

An in‑depth look at the expanded Football Bowl Subdivision rankings, the criteria behind them, and the storylines surrounding the teams and players poised to influence the 2026 season.
A look at the college players from across the Big 12 who are making early impressions as potential NFL Draft selections.

Three Arizona players of Polynesian heritage have been named to the 2026 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award watch list, highlighting the program’s growing influence on the national stage as the team readies for its season opener.

Texas Tech enters the 2026 Big 12 campaign as the preseason favorite, boasting an elite defense and a roster bolstered by key transfers, while BYU and Utah loom as primary challengers.

Despite a modest transfer portal presence, the University of Arizona’s football program has assembled a roster that could crack the top three of the Big 12 and contend for a Top 25 ranking, driven by depth, coaching continuity and expert praise.

The 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list recognizes 113 FBS players for leadership, academic achievement and impactful service initiatives, spotlighting projects that reach from Texas to Nigeria.

From the Wildcat Walk to postgame celebrations, this guide outlines the key experiences that define a game day at the University of Arizona, highlighting fan participation, local flavors, and the excitement surrounding Heisman hopeful quarterback Noah Fifita.

Arizona’s offensive mastermind Seth Doege is accelerating the installation of the playbook, targeting a quick backup quarterback decision and expanding depth at receiver as the team builds on a 31.5‑point average from last season.

Under soaring temperatures, the Wildcats begin an 18‑practice stretch that tests new recruits, reinforces continuity, and highlights leadership from quarterback Noah Fifita and veteran Tre Smith.

The Wildcats are poised to achieve two straight winning seasons for the first time in over ten years, driven by a new coaching philosophy and a commitment to sustained excellence.
The Cyclones will test their resilience against five marquee matchups, each presenting distinct challenges that could define their season under a new coaching era.

Three senior Wildcats earn prestigious nominations as Arizona looks to extend its legacy of award‑winning defenders and a quarterback poised to rewrite the record books.