Arizona’s climb in the College Football Playoff rankings is more than just a number-it’s a statement. The Wildcats jumped from No. 25 to No. 18 in the penultimate CFP rankings, marking their highest placement since they were 14th late in the 2023 season. And with a 9-3 regular season now in the books, Arizona is firmly back in the national conversation.
Let’s talk about how they got here.
Closing Strong, Peaking Late
The Wildcats wrapped up their regular season with a convincing 23-7 win over in-state rival Arizona State, a game that not only secured bragging rights but also knocked the Sun Devils (8-4) out of the CFP rankings entirely. That win was the exclamation point on a five-game streak that turned Arizona’s season from solid to special.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. Arizona’s three losses this season came in painful fashion-especially two that could’ve flipped their postseason outlook entirely.
On October 11, they fell in double overtime to BYU, 33-27. A week later, they lost 31-28 at Houston on a walk-off field goal.
Two games, two final-play heartbreakers. Flip those results, and we might be talking about Arizona as a legitimate at-large contender for the playoff.
But credit where it’s due: after that Houston loss, Arizona regrouped, refocused, and rattled off five straight wins. That stretch included a gritty 30-24 road victory over then-No. 22 Cincinnati on November 15-a win that now stands as a key piece of their resume.
Big XII Standing and Strength of Schedule
Arizona finishes the regular season as the third-highest ranked team from the Big XII in the CFP rankings, trailing only Texas Tech, BYU, and Utah. Of those three, the Wildcats only faced BYU, and that game was one of the aforementioned close losses. They didn’t get a shot at Texas Tech or Utah this season, which leaves some “what ifs” lingering in the background.
Their only win over a currently ranked team came against Cincinnati, and they went 0-2 against teams still in the CFP top 25. That’s likely part of the reason why Arizona sits at No. 18 despite a strong finish and a 9-3 record. Still, their late-season surge and the quality of their wins-especially on the road-can’t be overlooked.
Brent Brennan’s Year-Two Turnaround
What Brent Brennan has done in Tucson is nothing short of remarkable. In just his second season, he’s taken a 4-8 team and turned it into a 9-3 squad with real national relevance.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen without bold moves-and Brennan made plenty. He brought in 57 new players and overhauled his staff with three new coordinators.
One of those hires, defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, is now a Broyles Award finalist, recognized as one of the top assistant coaches in the country. Arizona’s defense has been a major part of the team’s identity during their five-game win streak, and Gonzales’ impact is a big reason why.
What’s Next
Arizona will find out its bowl destination on Sunday, and wherever they land, they’ll bring momentum, confidence, and a chip on their shoulder. They’re not just a feel-good story-they’re a team that’s shown resilience, growth, and the ability to win tough games down the stretch.
They may have missed out on a shot at the playoff, but this season has laid the foundation for something bigger in Tucson. The Wildcats are rising-and the rest of the Big XII is officially on notice.