The Arizona Wildcats are looking to start their second season competing in the Big 12 Conference with a matchup against Hawai’i at home on Saturday, Aug. 30. Arizona struggled last season, finishing 4-8 and losing a key piece of its offense with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan leaving for the NFL.
Saturday’s non-conference battle will air on TNT at 10:30 p.m. EST, as head coach Brett Brennan begins his second season leading the Wildcats. Arizona enters the game as 17.5-point favorites, while the over/under is set at 52.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Noah Fifita (QB, Arizona)
Coming off another full season as Arizona’s starting quarterback, Noah Fifita enters 2025 with high expectations after throwing for just under 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago. With McMillan gone, Fifita will need to quickly build chemistry with a new-look receiving corps and maintain command of the offense. Limiting mistakes will be key to Arizona’s success, not just in Week 1 against Hawai‘i, but throughout their first full Big 12 slate.
Pofele Ashlock (WR, Hawai’i)
Wide receiver Pofele Ashlock showcased his deep threat abilities in the Rainbow Warriors’ Week 0 win over Stanford. He finished with a game-high nine catches for 69 yards and one touchdown. He consistently found space against the Cardinal secondary and provided a reliable target for quarterback Micah Alejado. If he can stretch the field and create separation against Arizona’s secondary, the Rainbow Warriors could find opportunities to keep the game competitive.
Two Key Storylines
Hawai‘i looks to take down a second straight Power Four opponent
After defeating Stanford of the ACC, Hawai’i is presented with the opportunity for another upset win. If the team can replicate the execution and energy it showed in the opener, especially on offense with weapons like Ashlock, it could pose problems for a Wildcats team adjusting to new pieces of its own. With Alejado commanding the offense, he’ll have an opportunity to build on his two-touchdown performance from Week 0.
Fifita’s turnover control
Fifita doubled his interception total last season compared to 2023, and with a Hawai‘i team riding high off a Week 0 win, Arizona must prioritize ball security to avoid a potential upset. Limiting turnovers will be crucial in keeping momentum on their side and preventing the Rainbow Warriors from hanging around late.
Prediction: Arizona 27, Hawai’i 17
There’s no reason Arizona shouldn’t come away with a win at home, but it could be closer than some expect. If the Wildcats can establish the run game early, they’ll be in control, especially against a Hawai‘i defense that gave up 177 rushing yards to Stanford in Week 0. Still, Hawai‘i’s quick-strike potential on offense can’t be overlooked. Arizona will need to play clean football and avoid early mistakes to keep the game from tightening late. This one has all the makings of a competitive battle before the Wildcats pull away.
