When Arizona and SMU square off in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night in San Diego, it won’t just be a battle of two strong programs-it’ll be a showcase of two of the most seasoned quarterbacks in college football. Noah Fifita and Kevin Jennings have been through the wars, and they’re set to close out 2025 with one more chapter in their respective stories.
Let’s start with the experience. Between them, Fifita and Jennings have nearly 70 games of college football under their belts.
Fifita will be making his 34th career start for Arizona, while Jennings is set for his 35th game and 26th start for SMU. That kind of mileage at the quarterback position doesn’t just show up in the stat sheet-it shows up in poise, leadership, and the ability to manage big moments.
And this Holiday Bowl? It’s a big moment.
Kevin Jennings: Dual-threat QB with something to prove
Jennings has been a steady presence for SMU, though 2025 hasn’t been without its challenges. A mobile quarterback known for his ability to extend plays and make things happen on the ground, Jennings was a real threat with his legs in 2024, racking up 354 rushing yards and five touchdowns. But an ankle injury this season has kept that part of his game in check-he’s managed just 50 rushing yards and four scores in 2025.
Still, he’s found ways to produce. Jennings has completed 66.1% of his passes this season, throwing for 3,363 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Over his career, he’s totaled 7,431 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, while adding 554 yards and 10 scores on the ground. That’s a well-rounded resume, and it speaks to his ability to adapt-even when he’s not at full strength.
But here’s where the game could swing: turnovers. Jennings’ 10 interceptions this year could be a red flag against an Arizona defense that thrives on takeaways.
The Wildcats come into the Holiday Bowl ranked fourth in the country in interceptions per game (1.58) and lead the nation in turnover margin at plus-1.33 per game. If Jennings isn’t sharp with the football, Arizona has the tools to make him pay.
Noah Fifita: A bounce-back season worth watching
On the other side, Noah Fifita has quietly put together a redemptive 2025 campaign. After a rough ride in 2024, he’s bounced back with poise and production, completing 64.2% of his passes for 2,963 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He’s also chipped in 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showing just enough mobility to keep defenses honest.
Fifita’s career numbers are impressive: 8,918 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, with a completion rate just under 65%. But what stands out more than the stats is his resilience. Back in 2023, he stepped in midseason after Jayden DeLaura went down and led Arizona to a 10-3 finish, including a seven-game win streak capped by a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.
Then came the turbulence. When head coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington, the Wildcats stumbled through a 4-8 season under new head coach Brent Brennan.
But Brennan made a key hire in bringing on Seth Doege as offensive coordinator for 2025, and that move has paid off. Doege and Fifita clicked early, and it’s shown in the quarterback’s renewed command of the offense.
A final spotlight before the playoff lights
This Holiday Bowl matchup is the last stop before the College Football Playoff semifinals kick off in early January, but don’t let that overshadow what’s at stake here. For both quarterbacks, this is a chance to put a stamp on their 2025 seasons and build momentum heading into 2026-whether that’s a return to college football or a shot at the next level.
Fifita has the edge in terms of ball security and familiarity with high-leverage games, but Jennings brings a dual-threat dimension that, if healthy, can stress any defense. The key may come down to who can avoid the big mistake and seize the big moment.
Two veteran quarterbacks. One final game. Expect fireworks in San Diego.