Arizona Wildcats have low expectations at season's start

Flashback: After a stellar 2023 campaign under then-head coach Jedd Fisch — who left for Washington in the offseason — the Cats started last year with big aspirations.

• They were ranked No. 21 at the season's start and projected to do fairly well in their first year in the Big 12.
• Instead, UofA finished the season as the second worst of 16 teams in the conference in head coach Brent Brennan's first year.

State of play: If UofA is going to beat expectations, the team will need a strong season from quarterback Noah Fifita.

• Fifita was a big part of the Cats' 2023 success, but he regressed last year, throwing 12 interceptions — tied for most in the conference — to go with his 18 touchdowns.
• And that was with the help of star Tetairoa McMillan, the conference's top receiver, who's now in the NFL.
• A strong season from Fifita would be a boon for the Cats. And while new offensive coordinator Seth Doege isn't going to change Fifita's pass-first approach, he's been drawing up more running plays for the quarterback, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Zoom in: Losing McMillan hurt, but UofA restocked its receiving corps with transfers Luke Wysong, Tre Spivey, Kris Hutson and Javin Whatley, and returning No. 2 wideout Brandon Phelps could be poised for a breakout year.

Between the lines: Most of last year's starting secondary is back, and new defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales is expected to bring a stop-the-run focus.

• But the Cats will have to make do without standout linebacker Jacob Manu, who transferred to Washington in the offseason.

What's next: The Cats open their season at home on Saturday against Hawaii.