The offseason offers a perfect opportunity to assess the current state of Arizona’s athletic programs, especially with the Wildcats’ impending move to the Big 12 Conference. This series begins with a look at the Arizona football team under head coach Brent Brennan.
The State of Arizona Football Before Brennan
The 2023 season was one of Arizona’s best, featuring a 10-win campaign capped by an Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma. Expectations were high with most of the team returning for the next season. However, the program faced a major upheaval when head coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington, taking with him the offensive staff and several key players. Arizona quickly hired Brent Brennan from San Jose State to fill the void.
Brennan’s immediate tasks included stabilizing the roster and convincing players to stay. He also had to recruit new talent to fill over 20 available scholarships and assemble a coaching staff that included experienced defensive coordinator Duane Akina and other seasoned coordinators.
Current Status of the Program
Despite the challenges, Arizona remains in a strong position as they head into the 2024 season. Early rankings place the Wildcats in the Top 25, and they are expected to be among the top teams in the Big 12 preseason poll. Spring practices were productive with minimal injuries, though star player Tetairoa McMillan did undergo a minor procedure expected to heal by fall.
Brennan has been active in engaging with fans and promoting the program during the Wildcat Welcome Tour. While he doesn’t face the same level of skepticism that Fisch did, there is still some uncertainty until he coaches his first game.
Prospects in the Big 12
Entering the Big 12 presents a fresh start for Arizona. With traditional powers Oklahoma and Texas moving to the SEC, the Wildcats have a real opportunity to make an impact. The conference includes six schools with a combined 15 appearances in the Big 12 title game. Arizona’s schedule this fall includes games against 10 Big 12 opponents, featuring both home and away matches that will test their readiness for the new conference.
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Key Question: Can Brennan Sustain the Momentum?
With significant returning talent like T-Mac, Noah Fifita, and key players in both the offensive line and defense, Arizona appears poised to be a contender in the Big 12. However, the transition to a new coaching staff brings uncertainty. Past transitions, such as Kevin Sumlin’s tenure starting in 2018, showed how quickly momentum can be lost if new systems are not well integrated.
Brennan has promised not to implement drastic changes in his first season, aiming to leverage the strengths of his key players. The effectiveness of this approach will be tested when the Wildcats face New Mexico on August 31.
In summary, while Arizona football faces the usual uncertainties of a coaching change, the program’s strong foundation and strategic approach under Brennan offer hope for continued success as they transition into the Big 12 Conference.
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