Arizona Desert Swarm
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Arizona women’s basketball puts up offensive avalanche in exhibition win over Embry-Riddle
Arizona women’s basketball opens the preseason with a 117-44 rout of Embry‑Riddle, showcasing a relentless transition offense and stifling defense. Six players score in double figures, highlighted by Maryland transfer Breanna Williams' 22 points and 11 rebounds and freshman Jasleen Green's 18 points and an early and‑one. Coach Becky Burke praises the depth, noting the debut of transfer Dionna Gray, who earned a fifth‑year eligibility in September. The Wildcats shoot 72.7% in the first quarter, building a 40-13 lead, and use the win to generate film for future improvements. The victory signals a gritty, aggressive, and deep roster for the upcoming season.
Arizona soccer suffers worst loss of season against Colorado
Colorado Buffaloes hand Arizona Wildcats their worst defeat of the season, cruising to a 4-0 win at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium on Oct. 23, 2026. The Buffs dominated possession in the attacking third (33%) and outshot UA 13-5, converting all three goals—including a 22‑minute penalty after a contested handball by Trinity Dorsey and a second strike by Michaela McGowan just 26 seconds later. A third goal arrived in the second half, followed by Faith Leyba’s first‑season goal off a corner after a Ziller misplay. Arizona coach Becca Moros called the loss disappointing, blaming poor midfield play and defensive lapses.
What to watch for when Arizona men’s basketball hosts Eastern Washington in exhibition
Arizona Wildcats wrap up their three‑game preseason exhibition slate Friday at ALKEME Arena, taking on Eastern Washington. After double‑digit wins over San Francisco (93‑69) and a tougher 82‑67 battle with San Diego State, coach Tommy Lloyd hopes to use the game to test lineups—especially if forward RJ Godfrey clears his eligibility case. Watch for a physically imposing Eagles lineup featuring preseason All‑Big Sky guard Andrew Cook, forward Alton Hamilton IV, and 6‑10 forward Emmett Marquardt, which could force adjustments to Arizona’s starting frontcourt. The matchup also offers a look at reserve bigs Ugnius Jaruvicius, Evan Otten and Maksim Brnovic, and how the Wildcats’ shot selection evolves after shooting 43.1% in the first two outings.
Report: Arizona men’s basketball roster spending trails top programs
A new CBS Sports report shows Arizona men’s basketball will allocate $15‑17.5 million to its roster for 2026‑27, placing the Wildcats in the third tier of spenders behind programs like Gonzaga, Houston and Michigan State. While this exceeds the Big 12 average of $12.7 million, it trails at least 15 schools—including Texas Tech, Michigan and Illinois—that spend $20 million or more and recent Final Four participants. The analysis, based on over 100 sources, suggests Tommy Lloyd’s squad lags behind traditional powerhouses despite recent on‑court success, highlighting that high spending isn’t the sole path to elite performance.
Friday Night Lights 2026: Edition 7
Arizona returns from a bye week to host Iowa State at Homecoming, looking to extend its strong early‑season run. The Wildcats’ 2027 recruiting class now boasts 16 commits, with 14 seeing game action last weekend as coaches scout additional talent. The edition also spotlights high‑school standouts: Caden Jones (QB, Crean Lutheran) perfect 18‑for‑18 for 190 yards and a rushing TD; Wayne Shanks Jr. (RB, Kinkaid) 24 carries for 121 yards and a TD; Curtis Zeno Jr. (RB, Paetow) 10 carries for 49 yards and a 41‑yard run; Braylen Ross (WR, Crean Lutheran) 7 catches for 101 yards; and Ahzan Bacote (DL, Cornerstone Christian) 7 tackles, 3 TFL and 3 sacks in a 49‑24 win. These performances hint at the talent pipeline feeding Arizona’s upcoming seasons.
Arizona soccer has big opportunities against Colorado, Baylor
Arizona Wildcats soccer faces a must‑win weekend against Colorado on Thursday and No. 9 Baylor on Sunday to clinch a Big 12 Tournament spot and keep NCAA hopes alive. Both rivals sit ahead in the standings—Colorado (8th, .571 win pct, 12 points) and Baylor (top‑10, .786 win pct, 16 points). A sweep would push UA into the final tournament berth, while draws won’t suffice for their RPI 97. The Wildcats (5‑6‑5 overall, 2‑2‑3 conference) must boost an even 1.143‑goal‑per‑game average on both sides of the ball against teams ranked in the top 10 RPI. Coach Becca Moros stresses the urgency of offensive consistency to protect a solid defense.
Arizona football vs. Iowa State score predictions
Arizona (5-1, No. 25) hosts Iowa State (3-3) for Homecoming on Oct. 22, 2026. All five staff predictions favor the Wildcats, with scores ranging from 34‑17 to 38‑28. Arizona’s 307 passing yards per game outpace ISU’s 178, and the Wildcats have a six‑point per‑game scoring edge while allowing fewer points defensively. Iowa State’s recent roster turnover and limited offensive identity contrast with Arizona’s strong home record—three double‑digit wins at Casino Del Sol Stadium. The game could lock in bowl eligibility and keep Arizona’s national relevance alive.
What Tommy Lloyd, Arizona players said at Big 12 Media Days
At Big 12 Media Days in Kansas City, Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd deflected a playful question about moving cities with a confident "None!" and outlined his vision for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season. He emphasized treating high expectations as a privilege, resetting after last year’s Final Four run, and embracing a more spread‑out, dynamic style despite lingering eligibility issues. Lloyd praised his core trio—freshman Caleb Holt, sophomore Ivan Kharchenkov, and senior Motiejus Krivas—and stressed his servant‑leadership focus amid modern college‑basketball chaos. The Wildcats enter the year ranked No. 5 in the AP preseason poll and favored to repeat as Big 12 champions.
What Arizona’s Becky Burke, players said at 2026 Big 12 Basketball Media Days
Arizona women’s basketball coach Becky Burke and seniors Sumayah Sugapong, Gerda Raulušaitytė, and Aliyahna “Puff” Morris spoke at the 2026 Big 12 Media Days and a local Tucson press session. Burke highlighted the team’s focus on improving in exhibition games, noted one player (Anastasiia Semenova) is still recovering, and praised a near‑90‑point scrimmage that shows offensive growth while maintaining a blue‑collar defense. She emphasized the talent boost from a strong freshman class and transfer portal additions, and set the season’s target: an NCAA tournament berth. Sugapong echoed confidence in the system and excitement for her senior year’s March Madness hopes.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas named AP Preseason All-American
Arizona senior center Motiejus Krivas earns a spot on the Associated Press Preseason All-American team, joining Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr., Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner and Illinois’ David Mirkovic. The 7‑footer, also Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, posted 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds while starting all 39 games last season and enters his fourth year at Arizona. Krivas downplays the honor, saying he’ll prove his worth on the court, and could become the program’s first All‑American since Lithuanian Azuolas Tubelis in 2023. Sophomore guard Ivan Kharchenkov received one vote.
Arizona football notebook: Wildcats blocking outside noise, focusing on one opponent at a time
Arizona Wildcats gear up for a crucial home showdown with Iowa State on Oct. 21, seeking revenge for last season's 39-14 loss and a chance to clinch bowl eligibility for a second straight year—something the program hasn't achieved since 2014‑15. Coach Brent Brennan emphasizes a one‑game‑at‑a‑time mindset, urging quarterback Seth Doege and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales to tune out growing national buzz and focus on execution. The Wildcats enter the matchup unbeaten at home (4‑0 since the stadium’s name change to Casino Del Sol) and eye a possible Big 12 Championship and playoff run, but all eyes remain on beating the Cyclones this Saturday.
These former Arizona Wildcats made 2026-27 NBA rosters
Sixteen former Arizona Wildcats make NBA rosters as the 2026-27 season opens, the third‑largest alumni presence after Kentucky and Duke. Highlights include rookie Tobe Awaka landing a two‑way deal with the Chicago Bulls, 10th‑overall pick Brayden Burries joining the Milwaukee Bucks, and veteran Aaron Gordon returning healthy to the Denver Nuggets. Others such as Deandre Ayton (Washington Wizards), Jaden Bradley (Toronto Raptors), and Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) add depth, while the Heat sign Pelle Larsson to a four‑year, $60 million contract. The list showcases Arizona’s continued role as a premier pipeline to the NBA.
Arizona’s Candrea Classic to feature softball giants in February
The 2027 Candrea Classic kicks off on Feb. 12 in Tucson, featuring powerhouse softball programs UCLA, Duke, Michigan and host Arizona. Together the four teams boast 21 NCAA titles, 13 runner‑up finishes and 62 Women's College World Series trips. UCLA arrives after a WCWS run ending with a loss to Alabama, Duke after upsetting Arizona twice in its regional, and Michigan following an 8-1 loss to Oklahoma. Arizona, fresh off a 37‑18 season, prepares with fall games against UTEP, Phoenix College and Pima College. The tournament fills a slot left vacant by a cancelled San Antonio event.
Iowa State football expert previews the Arizona game, makes a score prediction
Arizona’s upcoming Homecoming clash with Iowa State draws expert insight from SB Nation’s Jack Christensen. He grades the Cyclones a B after a 3‑3 start, noting all three losses came to ranked teams (No. 15 Iowa, No. 10 Utah, No. 2 BYU). Standout running back Aiden Flora, now third in the Big 12 in rushing, fuels the offense, while quarterback Jaylen Raynor struggles without his top receiver Dominic Overby. Defensively, pass‑rushers Isaac Terrell and a potentially healthy Caden Crawford, plus linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen, are key. Christensen predicts a close, high‑scoring game and highlights Arizona’s need to disrupt Noah Fifita’s rhythm early.
How former Arizona Wildcats fared in Week 6 of NFL season
Arizona‑produced NFL players made a mixed impact in Week 6. Panthers’ wideout Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina with six catches for 86 yards in a 25‑14 win over Philadelphia, helping the team keep a 1.5‑game NFC South lead. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop’s 49‑yard miss proved costly as Baltimore fell 13‑10 to Cleveland. Packers lineman Jordan Morgan posted a career‑high 73.1 PFF grade in a 23‑13 victory over Dallas. Falcons kicker Nick Folk stayed idle in a 31‑23 loss, remaining one field goal short of ninth‑all‑time. Raiders safety Treydan Stukes logged nine tackles in a 33‑30 defeat, earning a 64.2 PFF rating. Cardinals defensive tackle Roy Lopez posted a 53.9 grade in an 18‑16 win at the Rams, while Chargers safety Genesis Smith struggled with a 43.1 grade in a 22‑6 loss to Kansas City.
What Brent Brennan said at his press conference to open Iowa State week
Ahead of Arizona’s homecoming clash with Iowa State, Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan stresses filling Casino Del Sol Stadium, noting recent attendances have lagged its 50,782‑seat capacity. He praises Iowa State’s revamp under Jimmy Rogers, highlighting tailback Aidan Flora’s versatility and the Cyclones’ physical offense and stout defense under Jesse Bobbit. Brennan also backs the proposed 24‑team College Football Playoff expansion, saying it adds postseason access without diminishing regular‑season importance. He commends Iowa State’s rebuilding progress despite staff turnover and the challenges of the transfer portal and NIL era, and lauds defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales for his in‑game adjustments and sharp memory.
SB Nation Reacts: How will Arizona football do in 2nd half of Big 12 slate?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
Kickoff time announced for Arizona football’s trip to Texas Tech
Arizona Wildcats head to Lubbock for a 9 a.m. PT showdown with No. 8 Texas Tech on Oct. 31, broadcast on ABC or ESPN. With Arizona sitting 5‑1 (No. 25) and a bowl‑eligibility win away, the game could draw College GameDay if the network slot is confirmed. Tech leads the all‑time series 27‑5‑1 and beat Arizona 28‑22 in 2024. This marks Arizona’s first visit to Tech since 1989, adding national intrigue to a crucial conference clash.
Arizona men’s basketball ranked in top 5 of AP preseason poll
The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team cracks the top five in the AP preseason poll, landing at No. 5 – the highest ranking under coach Tommy Lloyd and their best finish since a No. 3 spot in 2017‑18. Florida, Duke and Illinois lead the top three, with UConn at No. 4 and a marquee non‑conference game scheduled against them on Nov. 18. Arizona also faces No. 12 Arkansas (Dec. 19), No. 13 St. John’s (Dec. 5) and No. 22 UCLA (Nov. 2) in its early slate. Several Big 12 rivals, including Houston, Kansas and BYU, are also ranked, adding depth to the Wildcats’ schedule.
Arizona football enters tough 2nd half with Big 12 title game, playoff bid still in play
Arizona Wildcats enter the second half of the 2026 season eyeing a Big 12 title and a possible College Football Playoff berth. After a 5-1 start—their best since 2014—the Wildcats host Iowa State for Homecoming, a win that clinches bowl eligibility for a second straight year. Sitting 2-1 in conference play and tied for fifth with Baylor and Oklahoma State, Arizona still faces tough matchups against Texas Tech (Oct. 31) and Utah (Nov. 14) before ending the year with games versus TCU, Kansas State and the rivalry T‑Cup against ASU. Their remaining six opponents boast a 25‑11 record, making every game crucial for a shot at the Dec. 4 championship and a CFP spot.
Arizona football ranked in AP Top 25 ahead of Homecoming matchup vs. Iowa State
The Arizona Wildcats break into the AP Top 25 at No. 25 after a 5‑1 start, earning 136 votes ahead of their Homecoming clash with Iowa State on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. MST on ESPN2. Ranked for the first time in 2026 and the program’s first regular‑season ranking since early 2024, Arizona (3‑0 at home, average 26.7‑point win margin) enters as a 10.5‑point favorite. Iowa State, now 3‑3 overall and 1‑2 in Big 12 play under first‑year coach Jimmy Rogers, looks to bounce back from a 24‑10 loss at BYU. Key players include Cyclones QB Jaylen Raynor (7 TDs, 4 INTs) and RB Aiden Flora (680 yards, 6 TDs).
Arizona volleyball swept by BYU in fourth straight loss
While there was a lot of fight shown from Arizona, it was not enough to take down No. 14 BYU inside the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. The Wildcats (6-12, 1-6 Big 12) dropped all three sets to the Cougars to extend their four-game losing streak. Kennedy Osunsanmi led the way for Arizona with nine […]
Arizona softball uses 1-2 punch of Ryley and Rylie to defeat UTEP
Upgrading the competition during fall ball has been a process over the last few years. It started with an NAIA school two years ago. Last year, a road game against a Division I opponent was added. This year, the Wildcats’ first games against someone else came in a doubleheader against UTEP on Saturday afternoon. The […]
What Tommy Lloyd, Arizona players said after exhibition win over San Diego State
This exhibition did not feel like an exhibition, it felt like the real deal. Arizona was able to out “bully-ball” San Diego State in a 82-67 victory to take the second exhibition of the season. Motiejus Krivas led the way for the Wildcats with a 17 point, 15 rebound double-double. Ivan Kharchekov, Derek Dixon, Caleb […]
Laurynn Ziller’s heroic save prevents disastrous ending for Arizona soccer
The match between Arizona soccer and Utah was headed for a scoreless draw. It wasn’t what Wildcat fans wanted or maybe even what the team needed if it wants to play in the Big 12 Tournament. It was better than the other option, though. That other option was heroically staved off by UA goalkeeper Laurynn […]
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