Arizona Sees Result of Tough Loss in Latest AP Poll

Arizona was one quarter away from capping off an impressive upset win of UCLA. However, both side of the ball melted in the fourth.

Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) tackles Arizona Wildcats running back Ismail Mahdi (21) during the first quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Coming into Saturday night’s game, Arizona (4-2, 1-2 Big 12) was looking to stay on track after an impressive 28-point win over Oklahoma State as the Wildcats faced off against No. 18 BYU, with the game on ESPN2, showcasing two of the better defensive teams in the Big 12.

The forecast called for rain and after an hour weather delay, the game lived up to the billing of a defensive grudge match with both teams coming up with clutch stops and key takeaways to keep the offenses in check.

Arizona put itself in a perfect position in the fourth quarter, up 24-14 with just over 10 minutes left in the game. However, the Wildcats saw BYU tie the game up with 19 seconds left in the game due to two pass interference calls on defensive back Michael Dansby.

In overtime, BYU went on to fight its way to an impressive 33-27 double overtime win over Arizona and keep its undefeated streak alive. The Wildcats had an opportunity to pull off the upset but fell flat in the last minutes of regulation, which led to the overtime loss.

BREAKING: College Football AP Poll🚨https://t.co/qn3tHYfcby pic.twitter.com/v1I9VAz4iR

— On3 (@On3sports) October 12, 2025

If Arizona was able to pull off the upset victory, the Wildcats at the very least, would be getting votes for the recent AP Pol.

However, that didn’t happen and in the latest poll, Arizona was once again on the outside looking in with Ohio State remaining No. 1 following an impressive 34-16 win over Illinois on the road.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a catch during the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025. Ohio State won 34-16. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Overall, the Big 12 as a conference has four teams in No. 9 Texas Tech, No. 16 BYU, No. 23 Utah and No. 24 Cincinnati.

With the remaining schedule and Arizona looking to get back on track, Arizona has one remaining ranked opponent on the schedule, at this point.

Still, there is potential for a Territorial Cup, top 25 showdown to close out the regular season with both teams in position to make a bowl game.

Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan celebrates a blocked field goal during the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

However, looking at Saturday’s loss for Arizona, the Wildcats were right there against an undefeated team but fell short when it mattered the most.

The Wildcats will now have to recollect and brush off the heartbreaking loss because the team will now hit the road and face off against a Houston team that has been able to shock the conference with its impressive start.

Please be sure to share your thoughts on the latest AP Poll and how the Wildcats managed to let a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter slip right through their fingers. To do so, follow us on our X account by clicking on the link.