How to Watch: Arizona vs. No. 18 BYU

Arizona wanted to get back on the right track after an underwhelming first season under Brent Brennan where the team finished 4-8 and missed a bowl game despite preseason high expectations.

Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Former professional and University of Arizona football player Rob Gronkowski walks down the Wildcat Walk with head coach Brent Brennan before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Well, after changes were made to the coaching staff and the roster, Brennan seems to have the Wildcats moving in the right direction with the team starting the year with 3-straight impressive wins over Hawaii, Weber State and Kansas State.

After a quick bump in the road against Iowa State, Arizona (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) was able to bounce back with an impressive 41-13 win over Oklahoma State putting the Wildcats two wins away from a bowl berth.

Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

On the offensive side of the ball, Arizona was led by quarterback Noah Fifita, who racked up 376 passing yards while going 28 of 38, which led to five touchdowns on the day for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award winner.

Leading the charge in the receiving room was Tre Spivey, who set the tone early in the game with two catches that resulted in touchdowns to put the WIldcats ahead by double-digits early.

On the defensive side of the ball, Arizona held Oklahoma State to 158 total yards, which marked the second time this season the Wildcats have held an opponent to under 200 yards of total offense.

Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales setting up his defensive unit against Hawaii | Arizona Athletics

So far this season, the Wildcats have racked up 13 sacks, which places them 31st nationally. Meanwhile, Arizona has allowed opponents to average 15.6 PPG, which puts UA 19th nationally along with Iowa.

Arizona was able to make the changes against Oklahoma State but now the Wildcats will be going up their toughest test of the season against No. 18 BYU (5-0, 2-0) with a 5 p.m. (MST) kickoff on ESPN2.

Game Info

Oct 12, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) pressures Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Game: Arizona (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) vs. BYU (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)

Time: 5 p.m. (MST)

Location: Arizona Stadium | Tucson, Ariz.

TV: ESPN2

Radio: 1290AM | Sirius XM: 143, 199

Odds: BYU (-1.5) | O/U: 46.5

Although the season has started off on the right foot for the Wildcats, like many teams across the country you will have ups and downs not only in terms of wins and losses but also navigating a roster with injuries, playing time, academics and all the things that come in a 12-game college football season.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Tre Smith (3) against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona now will face another hurdle this week as the team prepares to face BYU with the recent news of edge rusher Tre Smith being out for the game.

However, the injury to Smith has become much more serious with the news of him having season ending surgery on Thursday morning, which Brennan announced during his weekly press conference.

Aug 30, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Tre Smith (3) tackles Hawaii Rainbow Warriors quarterback Micah Alejado (12) during the third quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

This is a massive blow for an Arizona team that has already lost a player on the defensive line in Jarra Anderson, who is no longer with the program. Smith has been one of the leaders of the defense and has established himself as the top pass rusher on the team.

When asked about the injury to Smith, Brenanna simply said that he had the surgery and will be out for the remainder of the year. He was asked about the injury but would not disclose any information of the problem.

In four games this season, Smith has collected seven tackles and one tackle for loss while trying to battle through some injuries that come with the grind of playing. Now, his season is over and Arizona will be looking to fill that void.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Chase Kennedy (11) tackles Colorado Buffaloes during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

When looking at the Wildcats’ options for filling the hole left behind by Smith are Mays Pese, Malachi Bailey and even possibly moving linebacker Chase Kennedy to the defensive line.

I think it is more realistic that the Wildcats mix and match there and we could see Kennedy and Riley Wilson see time up front, especially in third down situations. When looking at the linebackers on Arizona’s roster and Myron Robinson emerging as a rotational player, I think it is safe to say that UA has the depth to stretch things out with that unit.

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