Arizona’s Gio Richardson, Chris Hunter and Cole Rusk out for Iowa State game

Arizona will again be without its full group of starting pass catchers when the 25th ranked Wildcats host Iowa State for homecoming Saturday in Tucson. Wide receivers Giovanni Richardson and Chris Hunter, along with tight end Cole Rusk, were listed as out in the Big 12’s first availability report for the game, leaving Arizona to rely on a reshaped receiving corps for a second straight week.

The absences are especially significant because Richardson and Hunter were injured during the first half of Arizona’s 34 to 7 victory over Cincinnati. Rusk has been sidelined since suffering an injury against Northern Illinois, meaning Saturday will be his third consecutive missed game. The Wildcats also lost receiver Tre Spivey for the season after he broke his foot during the Big 12 home opener against Cincinnati. Together, those injuries have removed the players who began the season as Arizona’s primary receiving options.

Arizona managed to overcome the initial wave of injuries against Cincinnati, then continued to produce offensively in a 52 to 31 victory over West Virginia. The Wildcats used six receivers who played at least 10 snaps in that game, showing the depth that will be needed again against Iowa State. Isaiah Mizell, Brandon Phelps and Rodney Gallagher III are expected to form the starting receiver trio, with freshmen R.J. Mosley and Caleb “Jet” Smith among the players likely to receive additional opportunities.

Mizell has become Arizona’s most productive receiver this season. He made a career best six catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns against West Virginia, and now leads the Wildcats with 19 receptions for 359 yards and four touchdowns. His performance gives Arizona a proven big play threat despite the injuries at the position. Smith has also contributed at important moments, catching the go ahead touchdown against Washington State earlier this season while establishing himself as a standout punt returner.

Phelps offers another dependable option in the reshaped lineup. The Gilbert native has caught 12 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns this season, and his ability to contribute both as a receiver and as a touchdown threat has made him increasingly important to the offense. Gallagher, a transfer from West Virginia, is also expected to start against his former team’s conference rival after seeing a larger role in Arizona’s recent games. The Wildcats could further expand the rotation with DJ Jordan, Jordan Ross, Mosley and Smith.

Tight end responsibilities have also shifted because of Rusk’s absence. Fifth year senior Tyler Powell has started the last two games and is expected to again handle much of the work, with Shane King also taking a substantial number of snaps. Rusk began the season as a starter but was injured against Northern Illinois after appearing in only three games. Powell and King will be asked to help preserve the blocking and receiving roles that Rusk normally brings to the offense.

The availability report lists several other Arizona players, although not all are ruled out. Strong safety Lee Molette III is listed as probable, while cornerback Swayde Griffin is questionable. Defensive tackle Ezra Funa, offensive lineman Keona Peat and defensive back Dajon Hinton are listed as out. Those absences add to the Wildcats’ personnel concerns beyond the receiving group, particularly as Arizona prepares for an Iowa State team that will also be missing a key offensive player.

Iowa State will be without leading receiver Dominic Overby, who is out for the season because of a knee injury. That gives both teams a notable vacancy in their passing games, although Arizona’s losses have affected several starting pass catchers at once. The Wildcats will need their younger and less experienced players to maintain the momentum built during the recent wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia while managing another game without Richardson, Hunter and Rusk.

Arizona and Iowa State are scheduled to meet Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Tucson, with the game set to air on ESPN2. The homecoming matchup will test whether Arizona’s developing receiver depth can hold up over a full game, rather than simply provide short term relief after injuries. For fans at the Wildcats’ home game, the most visible change will likely be the new collection of names lining up at receiver and tight end, as Arizona continues through a difficult stretch of injuries while trying to remain competitive in the Big 12.