Three Helmet-Sticker Performances in Arizona’s Upset of No. 25 Cincinnati

Arizona’s (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) defense set the tone with a tipped ball interception from cornerback Jay’Vion Cole that set up an early touchdown to put the Wildcats up 7-0 against the Bearcats.

Although the game started off good for Arizona, its defense had its struggles in the first quarter. However, Brent Brennan and his team were able to fix those issues and put drives together down the stretch to pull off the 30-24 upset of Cincinnati.

At one point this season, the Wildcats were riding a 5-game road losing streak dating back to the 2024 season which included four blow out losses.

Now, following the win over the Bearcats, Brennan and his team have won back-to-back road games and have climbed over Mount 500 in the Big 12 for the first time this season.

Nov 15, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Kris Hutson (4) waves to fans as he celebrates with teammates in the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Arizona was able to pick Sorsby off two times with Cole and safety Dalton Johnson coming up with the turnovers and giving the offense the chance to get back in the groove.

On the offensive end of the field, Arizona had issues converting in the red zone during the first half with two missed field goals by Michael Salgado-Medina. One miss from 40 and a blocked kick the next time out.

However, with the Wildcats up 27-24 late in the fourth quarter, Salgado-Medina was able to redeem himself with a clutch 51-yard field goal to make it a 6-point game with 1:34 left in the game.

Arizona Wildcats running back Kedrick Reescano (3) runs the ball in the first 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

Arizona was able to get its offense going in the second half with two drives that finished with a touchdown. Running back Kedrick Reescano had the go-ahead score on a 50-yard run and the Wildcats never looked back.

Meanwhile, quarterback Noah Fifita had another great road game going 23 of 31 on his passing attempts while racking up 294 yards and slinging an important touchdown late in the game.

The one touchdown pass from Fifita was a record breaking one with him now sitting at 68 passing touchdowns in his career passing Willie Tuitama and Nick Foles for the program-record.

THE MOMENT. 👑 pic.twitter.com/O9oQjBTB2k
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) November 15, 2025

On the final drive for Cincinnati, Arizona’s defense came up strong and forced the Bearcats into a turnover on downs to seal the road win.

With the game in the books, we at Arizona Wildcats On SI have put together our three helmet sticker performances Arizona’s win over the Bearcats.

Three Helmet Stickers

Dalton Johnson

Arizona’s defense struggled early on in the game against Cincinnati with the Bearcats running all over the Wildcats and racking up yards left and right. However, UA was able to lock in and come up with big plays and key stops throughout the day.

One of the top players for Arizona against Cincinnati was safety Dalton Johnson, who helped create the first turnover of the game by tipping the ball to Cole and then he picked off the Bearcats later in the game.

When looking at how Johnson was able to have an impact on the rush defense and then making plays in the secondary, it might be the best game of his college career.

Kris Hutson

Throughout the season, we have seen several UA receivers have a breakout game and big time performances that have helped the team win games and overcome setbacks on drives. On Saturday against Cincinnati, Arizona’s top receiver was Kris Hutson, who put on an absolute clinic when it comes to route running and field awareness against the Bearcats.

Hutson was able to haul in eight catches on 11 targets where he totaled a game-high 123 yards. Whenever Arizona needed a receiver to make a play, he was the one coming up strong for the team.

Plus, Hutson was able to draw two pass interference calls that extended drives and frustrated the Bearcats’ defense.

Noah Fifita

Over the last two road games, Fifita has played his best football going 35 of 45 with 482 yards passing and six touchdowns to zero turnovers. Now, he had to face maybe the toughest test of the season for the team with an early morning game against Cincinnati.

That didn’t seem to matter for Fifita, who helped lead the team to the upset win to secure the seventh victory of the year.

Against Cincinnati, Fifita went an impressive 23 of 31 on his passing attempts where he totaled 294 yards and tossed one touchdown pass.

Dec 5, 2009; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles (8) looks to throw against the Southern California Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouilet-USA TODAY NETWORK | Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

The one touchdown gives Fifita 68 in his career, which puts him at the mountain top with a program-record passing Willie Tuitama and Nick Foles for the all-time career passing touchdown leader.

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