Wildcats Begin Season’s Second Half at Houston

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PICK CITY: Arizona’s nine interceptions this season are the sixth most in the nation. The Wildcats are currently on pace for 18 interceptions this season, which would be the most for the program since pulling in 19 during the 2017 season. The Wildcats defense is spearheaded by Defensive Coordinator Danny Gonzales, who has made led multiple INT-hungry defenses during his career. From 2011–16 while he served as the safeties coach at San Diego State, the Aztecs pulled in 100 interceptions, the third most in the country during that span. Across 12 games last year the Wildcats pulled in just eight interceptions. Six different players have combined to pull in Arizona’s nine picks: DBs Jay’Vion Cole (2), Treydan Stukes (2), Genesis Smith, Gavin Hunter, and Jack Luttrell, alongside LB Taye Brown.

HIT SOMEONE: Early returns on Defensive Coordinator Danny Gonzales’ unit have been promising, with the Wildcats ranking among the top 25 teams in the nation in total defense (10th), passing defense (11th), scoring defense (19th), and rushing defense (25th). The Arizona defense has also been busy in the turnover department, pulling in 11 turnovers across the first five games of the season after logging only 16 across 12 games last season. The Wildcats 11 turnovers gained (7th) and +0.8 turnover margin (25th) are both among the best marks in the nation among all 134 FBS programs.

GONE PORTALIN’: According to research done by ESPN’s Max Olson, the Wildcats are ranked fourth among Power Four programs and second in the Big 12 Conference in experience added via the transfer portal. Arizona added 27 transfers that brought with them 403 starts and 25,467 snaps of Division I experience.

GENESIS SMITH MAN OF THE YEAR: Arizona Football defensive back Genesis Smith has been selected to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year watch list, the organization announced earlier this month. The award, in its ninth year, is presented annually to the FBS college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Smith, a junior, has established himself as a leader in the locker room and the Tucson community during his time with the Wildcats. On the field, Smith is a leader in the Wildcats secondary and currently ties for the team lead with 26 tackles while pacing the team with five pass breakups. Across two-plus seasons and 29 games played, Smith has tallied 113 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. In the community, the Wildcats team captain has given back through the Genesis Smith Foundation and initiatives such as Christmas Cats and the R.I.S.E. Camp. Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.

MAHDI MOTION: Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi has been a key piece of the Wildcats offense over the first three games, tallying 559 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns. Prior to his time with the Wildcats, Mahdi spent two years at Texas State and one season at FCS Houston Christian. The Murphy, Texas native currently boasts one of the most productive careers in the nation: Mahdi’s ranks among the top five active career leaders with 4,111 all-purpose yards (4th), 87.9 rush yards per game (5th), and 132.61 all-purpose yards per game (2nd) during his FBS career.

WILDCATS IN THE NFL: The Arizona Wildcats are once again well represented in the NFL, with 11 players currently sprinkled throughout league rosters. Highlighting the group of former Wildcats are a pair of first round picks in Tetairoa McMillan (2025) and Jordan Morgan (2024). With his selection earlier this year, McMillan became the 12th Arizona player to earn a first round NFL Draft pick. He joined a list that includes Morgan (2024; 25th, Green Bay), Antoine Cason (2008; 27th, San Diego), Trung Canidate (2000; 31st, St. Louis), Chris McAlister (1999; 10th, Baltimore), John Fina (1992; 27th, Buffalo), Chris Singleton (1990; 8th, New England), Anthony Smith (1990; 11th, Oakland), Rickey Hunley (1984; 7th, Cincinnati), Mike Dawson (1976; 22nd, Arizona), Bill Lueck (1968; 26, Green Bay), and Walt Nelson (1939; 10th, New York Giants). McMillan was the first of four Wildcats selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the most Arizona picks since 2008.