Arizona football fans won’t have to wait until the fall to get a taste of what’s next in the Brent Brennan era. Circle April 25 on your calendar - that’s when the Wildcats will host their Spring Showcase at Casino del Sol Stadium, a football-meets-festival event that will cap off spring practice in style. The exact kickoff time is still TBD, but the date is set, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a scrimmage - it’s a first look at the 2026 Wildcats.
Coming off a strong 9-4 finish in 2025, Arizona heads into spring ball next month with momentum and a roster that’s both experienced and reloaded. The Wildcats will use their 15 allotted spring practices to start blending over 30 new faces into a core that already features some serious talent.
At the center of it all is quarterback Noah Fifita, who returns as the offensive catalyst. He’s shown poise and playmaking ability that Arizona can build around, and this spring will be a key stretch in continuing to elevate his command of the offense.
On the defensive side, the Wildcats bring back key disruptors in the trenches with Tre Smith and Mays Pese, along with linebacker Taye Brown, who’s looking to anchor the second level. That trio gives Arizona a strong foundation on defense - one that should help ease the transition for the incoming players and provide leadership in practice.
Continuity is also a major theme off the field. Head coach Brent Brennan, who helped steer Arizona to its best season in years, signed an extension last week that keeps him in Tucson through 2030.
That kind of long-term commitment speaks volumes about the direction of the program. Coordinators Seth Doege (offense) and Danny Gonzales (defense) also inked new deals, keeping the top of the coaching staff intact through at least 2028.
That stability should pay dividends as the Wildcats continue to develop their identity on both sides of the ball.
So while the 2026 season may still be six months away, the groundwork starts now. Spring practice is where schemes get tweaked, depth charts begin to take shape, and new leaders emerge. And on April 25, fans will get their first chance to see how it’s all coming together - not just in terms of X’s and O’s, but in the energy and chemistry of a team that believes it’s just getting started.