The first Arizona football spring game of the Brent Brennan era will be on April 27 at 6 p.m., the program announced on Saturday.Β
The spring game will conclude Arizona's month-long spring practice schedule that's expected to begin in late March.
Arizona ended its 2023 season on a seven-game winning streak, which included a victory over former Big 12 team Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl and finished with a 10-3 record, becoming the fourth team in program history to win at least 10 games. Arizona finished No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25, the highest ranking to end a season since 1998.
The Wildcats return what may be the top quarterback-wide receiver tandem in college football in Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan, along with All-Pac-12 linebacker Jacob Manu, who led the Pac-12 in tackles this past season. Arizona also returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from the 2023 season.
Defensively, the Wildcats will need to bolster their defensive line with the losses of edge rushers Taylor Upshaw, who is out of eligibility, along with transfers Isaiah Ward and Russell Davis II. Arizona also lost interior defensive linemen in Tyler Manoa and Sio Nofoagatoto'a. Arizona returns most of its defensive secondary after losing only cornerback Ephesians Prysock, who transferred to Washington and followed former UA head coach Jedd Fisch. The Wildcats return cornerback Tacario Davis, who led the Pac-12 in pass breakups (16), nickel back Treydan Stukes, strong safety Dalton Johnson and free safety Gunner Maldonado, who was Defensive MVP in the Alamo Bowl.Β
Linebacker Jacob Manu sprays water into the stands as the fans and players get into a wet war behind the bench during Arizonaβs spring football game at Arizona Stadium on April 15.
Over the last few years, the UA spring game evolved into an alumni weekend to celebrate former players and staffers. Nearly 300 former players, including future Pro Football Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, and alumni were in attendance for the spring game last season.
The spring game will also kick off right after the final day of the NFL Draft, which will have rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Former Arizona running back Michael Wiley, tight end Tanner McLachlan and wide receiver Jacob Cowing will likely be selected that day.
Arizona's spring game will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.Β
