Arizona’s Big 12 home opener vs. Cincinnati ‘a huge football game’ for Wildcats

Tucson football fans have a major test waiting at Casino Del Sol Stadium on Saturday night, when Arizona hosts undefeated Cincinnati in its Big 12 home opener. The Wildcats enter at 3-1 with a two-game winning streak, while the Bearcats arrive at 4-0 and carrying one of the conference’s most productive rushing attacks. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, and the game will be televised nationally on FOX, giving Arizona an early opportunity to make a statement in its new conference.

Cincinnati is one of only four Big 12 teams still unbeaten, alongside BYU, Texas Tech and Utah. The Bearcats have defeated Boston College, Western Carolina, Miami of Ohio and Kansas State, including a 31-26 comeback against Kansas State last week. Cincinnati trailed 10-0 in that game, just as it fell behind Miami of Ohio before rallying from a 28-7 halftime deficit. Arizona also has overcome an early hole in each of its last two games, so both teams arrive with recent experience finding a way back into contests.

“This is a very good football team coming in here,” Arizona coach Brent Brennan said, emphasizing that the Bearcats’ record has been part of the Wildcats’ preparation. Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales pointed to Cincinnati’s victory over Kansas State as evidence that the team cannot be dismissed or judged by preseason expectations. The Bearcats will bring momentum to Tucson, and Arizona’s coaches expect a difficult challenge from an offense built around physical running and a large offensive line.

Cincinnati is averaging slightly more than 270 rushing yards per game, the second highest total in the Big 12 and seventh best nationally. Its leading backs, Notre Dame transfer Gi’Bran Payne and Stanford transfer Cole Tabb, have combined for 79 carries, 679 yards and eight touchdowns. Payne has gained 368 yards and scored twice on 51 carries, while Tabb has produced 311 yards and six touchdowns on 28 attempts. Both have broken off 10 runs of at least 10 yards, and they have combined for 25 rushing first downs.

Quarterback JC French IV gives Cincinnati another dimension because designed runs are part of the Bearcats’ offense. Brennan said that element makes this week different from Arizona’s previous game against Washington State, whose quarterback was capable of running but was not used as frequently in that role. Cincinnati lost its two leading rushers from last season, Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor, but replaced them with runners Arizona describes as physical and explosive. The Wildcats will need to tackle well and bring multiple defenders to the ball.

That assignment will test an Arizona defense that is allowing only 80.3 rushing yards per game, third best in the Big 12 and 13th nationally. Arizona’s defensive lineup also received reinforcements last week, including linebacker Chase Kennedy, defensive lineman Mays Pese and Memphis transfer linebacker Everett Roussaw. Kennedy has 3.5 sacks, the third most in the conference, while Roussaw forced a sack and fumble in his Arizona debut. Gonzales said Arizona cannot allow Cincinnati to reproduce its high rushing average, making gang tackling a central priority.

The matchup also renews a recently established rivalry. Arizona defeated Cincinnati 30-24 on the road last season, when the Bearcats were ranked No. 22. Noah Fifita threw the touchdown pass to Giovanni Richardson that moved him past Nick Foles and Willie Tuitama for Arizona’s career passing touchdowns record. Fifita now has 84 career touchdown passes and 10,314 yards, both among the best totals by active Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks. He is also coming off a four touchdown performance in Arizona’s 34-24 win at Washington State, where Tré Spivey set career highs with seven catches and 129 receiving yards while scoring twice.

Saturday’s game carries several layers for the Tucson community beyond the conference standings. It is Arizona’s annual Family Weekend contest, although the Wildcats have lost six consecutive Family Weekend games and last won one against California in 2018. It is also a whiteout, with fans encouraged to wear white, and the program’s Pacific Islander Heritage game. Arizona has 20 players and four full-time staff members of Polynesian heritage, a recruiting and cultural connection that has been part of the program since the tenure of former coach Dick Tomey. Former Arizona tight end and 10 year NFL veteran Brandon Manumaleuna will serve as honorary captain.

The game is also important for Arizona’s future roster. The Wildcats expect roughly three dozen recruits from the 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 classes, including six quarterbacks, to attend. Ten of the 34 visitors are from Arizona, and the group includes 2027 quarterback commit Caden Jones, several committed teammates from Crean Lutheran in California and four quarterbacks from the 2028 class. Arizona’s offense has been particularly effective on third down, converting 56 percent of its opportunities, sixth best in the FBS, while freshman Caleb Smith has added a national threat as a punt returner. For fans in Tucson, the night offers a high level conference test, a showcase of the program’s identity and an early look at the Wildcats’ recruiting future.