Three Defensive Players To Watch For Arizona Against Arizona State

We look at a few players to watch for Arizona on the defensive side of the floor on Friday.

Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) runs down the field in excitement as they recognize seniors before the start of the game against the Baylor Bears at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

It is officially a ranked Territorial Cup between Arizona and Arizona State as the Wildcats enter Friday's matchup ranked No. 25 and the Sun Devils are ranked No. 20 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. Both schools are seeking their ninth win on the season in the final regular season game of the year.

Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Riley Wilson (16) and defensive back Johno Price (21) against the Baylor Bears at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona was a big favorite two years ago and won 59-23. Arizona State was a big favorite last year and won 49-7.

This year, both teams are entering the game on a roll in what most expect to be a more competitive game.

Arizona State will be led by quarterback Jeff Sims behind center with Sam Leavitt out for the season. As a unit, the Sun Devils rank No. 5 in the Big 12 in total offense (417.5 YPG), but bottom-five in scoring offense (26.3 PPG) on the year.

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) prepares to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Here are three players to watch for the Wildcats on the defensive side of the ball.

DB Dalton Johnson

This section can easily list the trio of seniors Dalton Johnson and Treydan Stukes, as well as Genesis Smith and the entire secondary that has been dominant for Arizona all season. The Wildcats boast not only the top passing defense in the Big 12, but even one of the top passing defenses in the entire country.

Arizona Wildcats defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cyrus Allen (4) in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Arizona Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 15, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It has been an opportunistic secondary all season for Arizona with the amount of turnovers it has forced, something it'll look to continue against Sims and the Sun Devils' offense.

It is notable that defensive back Jay'Vion Cole, who leads Arizona with four interceptions on the season, is listed as questionable.

The Wildcats linebacker room has become even more depleted with freshman Myron Robinson out for the season.

Max Harris is not listed on the Availability Report, but he also recently got banged up again with his exact status uncertain.

Taye Brown stepped up in a huge way in last week's win over Baylor. He will likely be needed in a big way again against the mobility of Sims as well as ASU running back Raleek Brown on the ground alongside Chase Kennedy, Riley Wilson and Jabari Mann with that position group.

Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Julian Savaiinaea (41) and linebacker Taye Brown (6) against the Baylor Bears at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

DL Deshawn McKnight

The Wildcats' defensive line has been banged up, but Deshawn McKnight has been one of the more stable options with that unit for Arizona this season as the leader with 11 tackles for loss.

Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan with defensive lineman Deshawn McKnight (0) against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona State will be looking to establish its rushing game early and often led by Sims behind center and Brown in the backfield. The Wildcats will need McKnight and the entire defensive line to step up in a big way and contain Sims as a runner.

Tia Savea has been downgraded to doubtful, so he is unlikely to be available.

What players are you watching for on the defensive side of the ball for Arizona? Please be sure to share with us your thoughts. To do so, follow us on our X account by clicking on the link.