A look at Arizona football Big 12 Media Days rep Noah Fifita
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The 2026-27 college football season is right around the corner, and the Big 12 Conference is holding its annual Media Days July 7-8 in Frisco, Texas. Arizona is sending seven players to the event along with coach Brent Brennan, a group of Wildcats who best represent what Brennan and his staff are building in the program.
In the lead up to Arizona’s appearance at Media Days on July 8, we’re taking a closer look at each rep. Today’s profile: redshirt senior quarterback Noah Fifita.
* 2025 Statistics: 3,228 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 64% completion rate, 222 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 85.1 PFF offensive grade
His career started in the backup role, but now Fifita is possibly the greatest Arizona quarterback to take the field. Head coach Brent Brennan believes that his journey and loyalty to the Wildcats is not enough. He thinks that Fifita should be in the Heisman trophy conversation.
“I think it’s amazing to be in a situation where you have a Heisman caliber candidate quarterback returning,” Brennan said on Fifita. “I think that’s one of those things that doesn’t get talked about enough, is that this young man continues to choose the University of Arizona, and he’s done it time and time again.”
There is no doubt that Fifita and Brennan have a strong connection, but the one connection that might be stronger is the one Fifita has with offensive coordinator Seth Doege. While it may be just their second season together, Doege knows that everything Fifita has accomplished did not just fall into his lap.
“This kid’s really special because he’s so talented, and he’s so talented because he’s worked at it,” Doege said. “He’s earned that right to be called talented. Our chemistry is like I said, I think it’s unmatched. I trust him completely.”
A better understanding of what the offense is trying to accomplish has given Fifita the utmost confidence in executing the game plan. Now, the offense moves at lightspeed and should be able to finish off more drives this season in the end zone.
“I’ve been able to play more confidently, I’ve been able to play faster,” Fifita said. “Guys today were telling me that the ball is getting out super fast, and to be honest, even I didn’t really realize that. Just playing in the offense, playing in a scheme, trusting coach Doege’s coaching points allows you to play free and at the end of the day the scheme just works.”
Not only have Doege and Brennan pushed him to gain that understanding of the offense to execute at a high level, but they have pushed him to continue to step up as a leader. His leadership shows by example on the field, but being the vocal leader is something he still continues to work on.
“They’ve kind of pushed me into that leadership role, but they’ve allowed me to do it my own way,” said Fifita. “Coach Doege kind of showed me how to do it his way, and I’ve been able to branch off and kind of do my own thing. I’m not an extremely vocal guy, and I don’t have as much passion in my voice that coach Doege has, but I’ve been able to steal a couple of things that he does extremely well.”
Fifita’s leadership shows out most when he makes things about his teammates. He always turns his focus to what is best for those around him. In his five years in Tucson, he’s created his own pueblo in the old pueblo.
“I love Arizona, and there’s a reason I’ve chosen to stay,” said Fifita. “Everybody’s had an opportunity to leave, and everybody’s either chosen to come here or chosen to stay here. So it’s not just about me, it’s about this team, the coaching staff and the players, but what we have is special.”
Fresh off a preseason All-Big 12 team selection, Fifita has one more chance to play in front of the Wildcat faithful in Casino Del Sol Stadium, he’s using his last season to leave nothing behind. Fifita wants to reach heights that Arizona has never seen before and cement his legacy as possibly the greatest Wildcat of all time
“I want my legacy to be a Big 12 championship and a Rose Bowl,” said Fifita.
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