The 2024 season did not go as Arizona football fans had hoped, as the program’s first year under Brent Brennan finished with a 4-8 record, capped by an embarrassing 49-7 loss to their in-state rival Arizona State.
The disappointing year has compounded with major offseason issues, too, as Arizona has been among the teams who’ve been hit hardest by transfer portal exits. Names like Jacob Manu, Tacario Davis, and Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei are among a slew of defensive starters who are leaving.
The offensive side of the ball isn’t without attrition either, as contributors like Reymello Murphy, Wendell Moe, Rayshon Luke, and Malachi Riley are all headed out as well.
There were many things that contributed to their lack of success, but one of the main concerns was the steep decline in efficiency from redshirt sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita.
After completing 72.4% of his attempts for 2,869 yards and 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions in 2023, Fifita completed just 60.5% of his passes in 2024. And, despite throwing for a career-high 2,958 yards, his yards per completion dropped from 8.6 yards to 6.9 yards, and his touchdown to interception ratio was much worse, with 18 scores and 12 picks.
With the coaching change, roster turnover, and the ever-present temptation to see what the transfer portal can offer, it was a major concern that Fifita would be headed elsewhere.
However, on Wednesday, Fifita cleared up any of those concerns with an announcement.
“For me it’s about the coaches and the people in that building,” Fifita told the Arizona Daily Star on Wednesday evening. “I still believe in the coaches.”
He added that the fan base and community in Tuscon is “one of the main reasons why we’re coming back, because Tucson has done so much for our family.”
“The love and support for me has been nothing short of spectacular,” Fifita said. “I’m so appreciative of Tucson and the University of Arizona. Even when things weren’t going well, I still get a lot of love and support — and I appreciate it.
“We know Tucson is used to winning and wants a winning football program. We’re going to work our asses off to give them that. We’re so grateful for Tucson. Tucson and the community is one of the reasons why we didn’t want to leave here.”
The Wildcats recently a new offensive coordinator, former Texas Tech quarterback Seth Doege, who says he’s excited about coaching the immensely talented sophomore.
“Noah is a real dude,” Doege said. “I’m excited about being able to have the opportunity to coach him. I’ve already sent him a couple of text messages and we’ve been texting back-and-forth. … I’m really excited about the quarterback. He makes this thing go.”
