UPDATE: The Arizona Wildcats have triumphantly opened their 2025 football season with a commanding 40-6 victory over the Hawaii Warriors on September 2, 2025. This decisive win was fueled by a ferocious defense that forced five turnovers and recorded five sacks, marking a dominant start for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, showcased their prowess both offensively and defensively. Fifita threw for 161 yards and contributed to the scoreboard with a rushing touchdown. The defense’s performance was particularly striking, with the five takeaways leading to 23 points, and the last time Arizona achieved such a feat was in the 2023 Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma.
Arizona’s offense was equally impressive, amassing 183 rushing yards. Running back Kedrick Reescano kicked off the scoring with a swift 13-yard run, establishing an early lead. Quincy Craig stood out with 125 yards on just seven carries, further solidifying the Wildcats’ ground game.
The Wildcats continued to build on their lead, going into halftime at 17-6. This is a stark contrast to last season’s opener, where they trailed at halftime. The momentum shifted rapidly after the break, with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Sam Olson extending the lead to 24-6 just three minutes into the third quarter. This touchdown marked the 45th career TD pass for Fifita, tying him for 6th in school history.
As the game progressed, an interception by Taye Brown set up another touchdown for Arizona, with Fifita finding the end zone again on a 10-yard run. The Wildcats kept the pressure on, with a field goal from Michael Salgado-Medina and a final touchdown by Ismail Mahdi, solidifying their victory.
With this win, Arizona not only begins the season strong but also extends their season-opening victory streak to four years, their longest since an eight-year streak from 2008 to 2015. Eleven players made their first career starts for Arizona, including nine transfers, showcasing the team’s evolving roster.
Next, the Wildcats will host Weber State next Saturday as part of a three-game homestand. The Wildcats aim to maintain their momentum against an FCS opponent that suffered a 45-10 loss to James Madison.
This emphatic victory sends a clear message: Arizona is ready to compete at a high level this season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Wildcats continue their journey in 2025.
