Six Arizona Wildcats Named to Phil Steele's Preseason Big 12 Teams

In a promising start to the 2026 season, six members of the Arizona football team have received All-Big 12 honors from Phil Steele Magazine. Leading the recognition is senior quarterback Noah Fifita, a Heisman contender, who made the first team.

Joining Fifita in the accolades are redshirt junior offensive lineman Alexander Doost, senior linebacker Taye Brown, and redshirt senior defensive back Jay’Vion Cole, all of whom garnered second-team selections. Additionally, sophomore defensive lineman Mays Pese and redshirt senior Chase Kennedy were recognized on the fourth team.

Fifita, entering his final collegiate season, holds the record for the most passing touchdowns in Arizona history with 73. Last year, he achieved a remarkable feat with 29 touchdown passes, setting a single-season record for the Wildcats, while also amassing 3,228 passing yards. On the ground, he added 222 rushing yards and three touchdowns to his impressive stats.

Doost demonstrated his prowess on the offensive line by participating in 878 snaps last season, earning a commendable 75.7 pass-blocking grade. Brown contributed significantly on defense with 93 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, as well as an interception and a forced fumble. Meanwhile, Cole’s defensive skills were highlighted by 23 tackles and four interceptions, including a touchdown return.

Pese, who had a solid freshman campaign with 24 tackles, is expected to shine further under defensive line coach Joe Salave’a's guidance. Kennedy rounded out the group with a strong performance last season, recording 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks.

As Arizona prepares for a challenging schedule, they will face last season’s Big 12 champions Texas Tech and BYU on the road, along with key matchups against Washington State and a homecoming game against Iowa State, which coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the “Bear Down” tradition. The season kicks off on September 5 against NAU during Native American Heritage night, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for the Wildcats.