On Tuesday, the Big 12 released its 2024 Football Media Preseason Poll, its first in a new era of college football featuring conference realignment. According to the media, in their first season as a member of the conference, the Arizona Wildcats are projected to finish fifth in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll. Five members of the Wildcats’ roster were also named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.
Two former Pac-12 schools are in the top five of the preseason poll, with Utah checking in at the top spot earning 906 points, including 20 first-place votes. The Wildcats received 762 votes, including three first-place votes from media members. Former Pac-12 members Colorado and Arizona State checked in at 11th and 16th, respectively.
The full list of preseason rankings include: 1. Utah (906 points), 2. Kansas State (889), 3. Oklahoma State (829 points), 4. Kansas (772 points), 5. Arizona (762 points), 6. Iowa State (661 points), 7. West Virginia (581 points), 8. UCF (551 points), 9. Texas Tech (532 points), 10. TCU (436 points), 11. Colorado (400 points), 12. Baylor (268 points), 13. BYU (215 points), 14. Cincinnati (196 points), 15. Houston (157 points) and 16. Arizona State (141 points).
Looking ahead at Arizona’s schedule, it’s possible Brent Brennan and Co. finish higher than 5th based on their matchups. While both games are on the road, the Wildcats will only face two top six projected teams in Utah and Kansas State (which is a non-conference game). Outside of that, Arizona will face the 7th-11th ranked teams, as well No. 13, No. 15, and No. 16.
2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Five Arizona players were also named to the 2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Team. The Wildcats’ five selections are the second most in the conference behind Oklahoma State’s six.
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, and kicker Tyler Loop were all named to the 2024 Preseason Offensive All-Big 12 Team. Cornerback Tacario Davis and linebacker Jacob Manu landed on the Defensive All-Big 12 Team.
Even with Arizona’s five selections, one surprising omission is star quarterback and reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Noah Fifita.
Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II is the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Colorado defensive back Travis Hunter is the Defensive Player of the Year, and UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson is the Newcomer of the Year.
Arizona, projected to finish fifth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, will participate in the Big 12 Football Media Days next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9-10, in Las Vegas.