As of the early 2024 rankings, the Arizona football program is poised for a remarkable resurgence, riding the momentum of a seven-game winning streak that concluded the 2023 season and propelled them to an impressive No. 11 spot in the final Associated Press rankings.
With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams this year, the Wildcats find themselves in a favorable position, as they are expected to be featured prominently in the preseason top 25—a distinction they haven’t enjoyed since 2015. Furthermore, there’s a possibility of Arizona entering the season in the top 10, a rare achievement for the program this century.
Several reputable sources have weighed in on Arizona’s potential standing in the 2024 preseason rankings. Brett McMurphy from Action Network places them at No. 8, while Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com predicts a No. 9 ranking. Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports is equally optimistic, positioning the Wildcats at No. 10. Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated and Max Chadwick from Pro Football Focus also align with this sentiment, both ranking Arizona at No. 10. Meanwhile, USA Today’s Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith place the Wildcats slightly lower at No. 13, and Jesse Simonton of On3 ranks them at No. 14. Overall, the consensus among these early polls places Arizona as a top 15 team in the nation.
The turnaround under coach Jedd Fisch has been extraordinary, considering their 1-11 record in 2021. Winning 10 games in the previous season, including a notable victory over Oklahoma in the Valero Alamo Bowl, has positioned Arizona as a serious contender in their inaugural Big 12 season in 2024.
The team boasts a young and talented roster, with standout performers such as freshman quarterback Noah Fifita, receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and running back Jonah Coleman. While there are challenges, such as the departure of key players like Upshaw, the Wildcats have a manageable schedule with key matchups in the Big 12 against BYU, Utah, TCU, and UCF.
Notably, the sports betting market is slightly more reserved about Arizona’s title chances, placing them with the 21st-best odds to win the national championship at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Despite this, the Wildcats are tied with Kansas State for the second-best odds in the Big 12, trailing behind Utah. The highest Arizona has ever started a season was No. 4 in 1999, emphasizing the significance of their current high rankings and the potential for a successful season ahead.
Leave a Reply