Not surprising, but the Arizona Wildcats’ 35-7 win over the NAU Lumberjacks in the season-opener didn’t exactly turn heads with AP Poll voters. A win on Saturday over Big 12 rival and top-15 BYU however could have massive implications for Brent Brennan’s squad.
Arizona received 33 votes in the Week 1 AP Top 25 Poll, the fourth most in the “Others Receiving Votes” category, effectively ranking the Wildcats at No. 29 in the nation. It’s one more vote than the UA received in the preseason poll.
BYU, which hosts Arizona on Saturday, September 12, at 12:30 PM MST, checks in at No. 15 in this week’s poll, down one spot after a 63-7 win over Utah Tech. In total, the Big 12 has four teams ranked: No. 13 Texas Tech, No. 15 BYU, No. 20 Utah, and No. 22 Houston. Colorado received three votes, while ASU received two.
Arizona is looking for its third win over an AP-ranked opponent under head coach Brent Brennan, both of which have come on the road. Last season, the Wildcats upset No. 22 Cincinnati, and in 2024, the UA beat No. 10 Utah.
Arizona also received 42 votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll, which was also fourth-most among the “Others Receiving Votes.” Brent Brennan is not a voter in the Coaches Poll.