Dash Fifita: Being the brother of Arizona QB Noah Fifita has 'kept me motivated'

When Les and Winona Fifita were combing through names for their youngest son prior to birth, they landed on Steven in honor of Les’ brother, Steve Fifita Jr., and father, Steve Fifita Sr.

The youngest Fifita at the time, Noah, was a fan of the “The Incredibles” movie and wanted to name his soon-to-be little brother “Dash” after the youngest sibling in the movie.

“As I was born, I fell off the table and the doctor caught me and said, ‘He dashed right out,’” Dash Fifita said.

And that’s how Dash Fifita was named.

Unlike his older brother, Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, Dash Fifita is a linebacker. Like older bro, Fifita is set to play for the Arizona Wildcats next year.

The 5-10, 185-pound Fifita committed to the Wildcats over Sacramento State last week and became the third commitment in Arizona’s 2026 recruiting class. The Wildcats have commitments from San Francisco offensive lineman Michael Langi and in-state wide receiver Hamisi Juma for 2026.

Fifita created a commitment video at Arizona Stadium with his parents, older brother, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, offensive lineman Shancco Matautia and incoming offensive lineman Sione Tohi. McMillan, a projected first-round draft pick who is training for the NFL in Phoenix, “made it out there and was there for me for my commitment video.”

Even though his older brother is a multi-year starter at quarterback for Arizona, Fifita hails from a defensive background. His father, Les Fifita, played linebacker and Steve Fifita Jr., Dash Fifita’s uncle, was a defensive tackle for the Utah Utes and the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. Fifita’s other uncle, Kelly Talavou, played defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.

Les Fifita “molded me into” becoming a linebacker, Dash Fifita said.

“It’s been great having a father like him and having a brother like my brother,” Fifita said. “A lot of people think it’s put more pressure on me, but if anything it takes more pressure off me, just them being there for me, keeping me grounded and showing how it’s done. It’s been great following my brother’s example. The path my dad set out for me, it’s been a blessing.”

Watching the older Fifita, especially after rollercoaster back-to-back seasons for the Wildcats in 2023 and ‘24, “has been a blessing,” Fifita said.

“His loyalty and everything he does for his team, putting his team first,” Fifita said. “He’s been there for me, as well. He puts me before himself and he’s always looking out for me. He sets the example. I just follow his footsteps and imitate everything he’s done and try to apply it to my game and my life. It’s been great.”

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Fifita started his high school career at Southern California national powerhouse Mater Dei before he transferred to Santa Margarita Catholic, which is now coached by Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer. Last season, Fifita was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Trinity League. Fifita had 100 tackles, 11 stops for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2024, which led to two offers from the UA and Sacramento State.

Fifita joined “Spears & Ali” recently to talk about his commitment to the UA, improving as a linebacker and potentially being teammates with his brother, who would be a redshirt senior during Fifita’s first season.

Why do you think you had a breakout season as a junior in 2024?

A: “I feel like I’ve always been capable of it. Growing up around my brother, I’ve grown up playing with the best of the best. I’ve always been ready for this stage. I feel like going to Mater Dei, playing with the best and against the best, really set me up for that. The coaches I have, the teammates I have, being around them and them pushing me every day, them setting me up for success, it let me go out there and do what I’ve always known I can do.”

Now that you’re committed and you still have one more high school football season before you join Arizona, what are you focusing on?

A: “Being in my brother’s shadow for most of my life, I feel like I’ve always had self-motivation a little bit, just improving my game and making a name for myself, not being just Noah’s little brother. I feel like that has always kept me motivated. Now that I have sort of made a name for myself, I’m just growing my game and trying to be better than the year before.”

How do you envision your role in the UA defense?

A: “Hope to be impactful as (former All-Pac-12 linebacker) Jacob Manu. A little bit in the box and out of the box, just coming from different places on the field and utilize my versatility and play the game how it’s supposed to be played.”

Is it safe to say Manu is the player you emulate?

A: “That’s who I idolize my game after. Not only have I been watching him growing up, I’ve literally grown up with him. Watching everything he does, how he plays the game and how he prepares for the game. Even how my brother prepares on the field, just knowing not only my job but everyone else’s job on the field. ... Knowing the game and knowing what you’re supposed to do helps that, as well.”

Have you and Noah discussed being teammates in 2026?

A: “It’s been a dream of mine my whole life. The ability to make that a reality is something I’ve always dreamt of. If that’s possible, then yes. We’ve talked about it, for sure. We even made jokes about (McMillan) even coming back and redshirting, but as a joke. My brother being able to do that, because he already redshirted, it’s a possibility (we’re teammates in 2026). But in my opinion, it’s a win-win for me, whether he goes to the draft and is drafted high or he comes back and I get the ability to play with him. It’s a win-win.”