With a new school year just around the corner, Arizona sports are gearing up for a full slate of action. Wildcat teams will host impressive competition across various sports, giving fans many must-watch events throughout the entire year. Here is a list of matchups you should look out for, A-Z.
ASU vs. Arizona football
Nov. 28 at TBD
Arguably one of the biggest games of the year is the Wildcat matchup against our rival, ASU. This year, Arizona football will take on the Sun Devils in our last scheduled game of the season in the 99th Territorial Cup. The Sun Devils will have the advantage of their home field at the Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
B.
BYU vs. Arizona women’s soccer
Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
BYU is a top competitor in women’s college soccer. With six wins over the Wildcats and only two losses, the game is guaranteed to be top-tier. As the teams will face each other later on in their season, their prior individual successes could predict an outcome. The game will be in Cougar territory in Provo, Utah.
C.
Cincinnati vs. Arizona volleyball
Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
Wildcat volleyball will compete against the University of Cincinnati for their senior night and last game of the scheduled season. For both reasons, McKale Center is sure to be packed with fans and energy. The last matchup between the programs in 2024 resulted in a 3-1 win for Arizona. This is not a night to miss.
D.
Denver vs. Arizona women’s soccer
Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
With three wins against the University of Denver under its belt, Arizona is predicted to go into this game with confidence and put on a show for the fans at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. The home field advantage will definitely be a crucial factor in this game, as traveling through different elevations is a challenge that can show on the field.
E.
Exhibition games
Exhibition matchups can be some of the most telling periods as to how teams may appear in their first games of the season. Women’s soccer had their first and only exhibition game versus NAU on Aug. 5, securing a 1-0 win. Arizona volleyball will compete against Northern Colorado University in its only exhibition game of the season on Aug. 23, at noon. These kickstart programs into their scheduled season, giving them a game under their belt before rivaling against their actual competitors.
F.
Florida vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Nov. 3 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball will compete in its first game of the season against the University of Florida in Las Vegas during its Hall of Fame series. Coming off of winning a NCAA Championship, the Gators are a tough first-game competitor especially in a neutral setting in the T-Mobile Arena, leaving the game rather unpredictable for how the Wildcats’ season will play out. As seen before, the start of a new season and team can be bumpy but Arizona men’s basketball has proven to persevere and find success.
G.
Gymnastics
Arizona gymnastics had an impressive 2024-2025 season, finishing fourth overall in the NCAA Regional Final. The Wildcats’ season starts in the winter and continues through springtime, giving fans several months of entertainment. Their schedule has not been released, but their prep and pre-season are sure to be something to watch out for.
H.
Hawai’i vs. Arizona football
Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Wildcat football is opening their season at Arizona Stadium in the midst of school kicking off. With fans amped up for a new season of sports, the game is sure to be packed with liveliness and energy that’s been kept in over the summer. This game will be the first look into what the future of Arizona football’s season may look like.
I.
Iowa State vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Arizona volleyball will travel to Ames, Iowa to compete against the Cyclones in their home court. The Wildcats dominated their previous matchup in 2024, 3-1, but fell short the year before 3-1. Marking a halfway point in the season, this game will be a testament to Arizona’s perseverance and drive. Iowa State University is known for its wild fan base, another key factor that will contribute to the result of this matchup.
J.
Jack Trice Stadium: Arizona football vs. Iowa State University
Sept. 27 at TBD
Arizona’s first Big 12 game of the year will be against Iowa State at their home base in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State was ranked No. 15 in the nation in the 2024 season. Arizona, on the other hand, was not ranked. This will be a crucial game to see if Wildcat football can hold strong amidst continued transition into the Big 12 conference.
K.
Kansas State vs. Arizona volleyball
Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m.
The Wildcats’ first Big 12 matchup is versus Kansas State University in an away game in the Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan, Kansas. Big 12 games are important in gauging how well our team will do throughout the season as it’s only our second year in a new conference. Arizona’s record with Kansas State is 3-2, the most recent game in 2024 resulting in a three set loss for the Wildcats in McKale Center. Arizona will be looking for redemption in Kansas’ home court in this upcoming match.
L.
Legacy Arena: Arizona men’s basketball vs. University of Alabama
Dec. 13 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball will compete against the University of Alabama in their home court in Birmingham, Alabama. The Crimson Tide was sixth in the 2024-2025 season; a tough competitor for No. 15 Arizona. In hopes that the Wildcats can find their rhythm, this matchup will be full of competitive efforts both offensively and defensively. Fortunately for Arizona, their last contest recorded a 87-74 win back in December of 2023, giving them the confidence they will need for an on-the-road matchup.
M.
McKale Memorial Center
The beloved McKale Center hosts numerous events throughout the school year. From basketball, volleyball and gymnastics all the way to intramural championships, it is a stadium filled with energy and competitiveness. If given the opportunity, watch all games and events happening within the center throughout this upcoming season. You won’t regret it.
N.
New Mexico State University vs. Arizona women’s soccer
Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.
This matchup will record Arizona’s first away game success or defeat of the season. On the road games always put the travelling team at a disadvantage. However the Wildcats hold a 2-0 streak over New Mexico. In 2024, Arizona put away one goal to find the lead. This game will also be the last game before school is back in session, hopefully giving the team a push to victory before fans and school play a role in their season as well.
O.
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona football
Oct. 4 at TBD
In just their second Big 12 matchup and fifth game overall of the season, the Wildcats will fight for a win against Oklahoma State University at Arizona Stadium. The Cowboys are a well-known competitor, going 10-4 in their 2023 season. Arizona struggled in their first year within the Big 12 so it will be interesting to see how this matchup goes between two high-level programs. This night will also recognize Hispanic Heritage, bringing community together in the world of sports.
P.
Provo, Utah: BYU vs. Arizona volleyball
Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
Nearing the end of their scheduled season, Wildcat volleyball will compete in its second contest versus BYU in the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah. Depending on results from their first time seeing each other within the season on Nov. 5 in McKale, both teams will fight to either maintain their win streak or come back with a victory after recent defeat. Arizona has a 13-16 record against BYU, with their most recent game ending in a 3-0 loss for Arizona.
Q.
Quarterback Spotlight: Noah Fifita
Redshirt junior Noah Fifita looks to lead the Wildcats in another season as quarterback. Last season, the team’s first year in the Big 12, they held a record of 4-8. With time to adjust, supporters are hoping to see an angle of improvement from the team throughout their season this year. However, tough competition lines their schedule, making it a difficult road to success. Schools like ASU, Iowa State and BYU will test Fifita and the program in games across their season.
R.
Red-Blue Showcase men’s basketball
Oct. 3 at TBD
The Red-Blue Showcase is the first look at our men’s basketball team before heading into the season. Fans get to dissect new players as well as returning and watch how they work together. This is always a big day for the university as Arizona prides itself on the success of our men’s basketball program. Many are enticed to see Bryce James play, son of Lebron James, and how he fits into the team’s dynamic. There are several new recruits that are also getting attention for their success in high school and overseas. Getting to be part of the first look for this team is an opportunity not to miss.
S.
San Diego State vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Dec. 20 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball’s last released game of the fall semester is on Dec. 20, in Phoenix, a neutral court against San Diego State University. This will mark their sixth game of the season thus far, giving fans predictions as to how the spring semester may unfold regarding Wildcat basketball. Arizona has a strong history against SDSU with 25 wins and seven losses. In recent years, the Wildcats have slipped past the Aztecs to secure a nail-biting victory. This is not a matchup to miss.
T.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona women’s soccer
Oct. 19 at 12 p.m.
Streaming on ESPN, this will be one of Arizona’s more challenging matches of the season. Texas Tech University was ranked No. 41 nationally at the end of the 2024 season. Arizona trailed at 62. The program’s last game in 2023 resulted in a 1-1 tie. With four program wins for Arizona as well as four ties and two losses, the game is a toss-up and will come down to who wants it more. The Wildcats will be given home field advantage.
U.
UCLA vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Nov. 14 at TBD
The Wildcats will face UCLA in an away contest in Los Angeles as only their second official game of the season. There is a deep rooted history between the two programs, their first game dating all the way back to 1923. They saw each other once last season, the Bruins securing a 57-54 win. Arizona will be hungry for revenge.
V.
(The) Venue: University of Central Florida vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 17 at 4 p.m.
Wildcat volleyball is looking to dominate against University of Central Florida in their away game in Orlando, Florida. Arizona impressively ranked No. 33 in the NCAA last season while UCF was found at 204. The Wildcats have recorded two wins against UCF, the games 10 years apart and both with a score of 3-1. This matchup lands near the middle of their season, hoping to give them a confidence boosting win to follow them through the remainder of their Big 12 games.
W.
Wildcat Classic Arizona volleyball
Aug. 29 – Aug. 31
The Wildcat Classic is Arizona volleyball’s first tournament and first real game of the season. All games will be played in McKale Center, giving fans a chance to come and support the team throughout the tourney. Arizona will first compete against Alabama State University on Aug. 29, followed by Texas A&M University and Fresno State University on Aug. 30-31. Matchups between the other schools will take place in between Arizona’s games.
X.
XC: Cross Country
While waiting for cross country to begin its fall schedule, there will be many meets to keep an eye on. Both our men’s and women’s teams secured spots in the 2024 NCAA Western Regional Championship. The women’s team placed 23 out of 39 teams and the men’s placed 16 out of 31. It will be nothing short of impressive to see what our Wildcats can do this upcoming season.
Y. Your choice, writer’s pick: Auburn vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Dec. 6 at TBD
As a men’s basketball enthusiast, I think the game of this semester will be Arizona versus end of season No. 4 ranked Auburn University. The energy in McKale Center during big matchups like this are irreplaceable and not to miss. Auburn consists of high-level talent that is sure to put on a show against the Wildcat men’s team. The programs have not met since 2018 where Arizona suffered a loss. As their second year in the Big 12, I think Arizona will be hungry for a victory.
Z.
ZonaZoo night: Colorado vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
A much anticipated matchup of the year is ZonaZoo night. As Arizona is known for having one of the best student sections all around, this is not a night to miss. Our Wildcat volleyball team will take on the University of Colorado Boulder in their fourth Big 12 matchup of the season, giving them several games under their belt to show up and show out for the crowd expected in McKale Center.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
