The No. 17 University of Arizona football team (9-3, 6-3 in Big 12) heads to San Diego, California for the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl against Southern Methodist University (8-4, 6-2 in ACC). The teams will face off on Friday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. MST at Snapdragon Stadium. The game will air on FOX for Arizona fans to watch while the Wildcats are in California. Fans who are attending the game are to wear red to support the Wildcats.
This is Arizona’s third appearance in the Holiday Bowl. They played in 1998 and 2009 both against the University of Nebraska, earning one win and one loss. This marks the 23rd bowl appearance for both Arizona and SMU.
History vs the Mustangs
This game is the third time that Arizona and SMU have met, following two regular season games and one bowl game. The first time they matched up was in 1938 where SMU won 29-7. They didn’t meet again until 1985 where Arizona took the victory in a major upset against No. 3 SMU 28-6 at home. The Holiday Bowl marks their third all-time meeting.
Wildcats this season
Arizona had a great season, and finished by winning its last five games. Most recently, Arizona won against their rivals ASU in the battle for the 99th Territorial Cup back in November 2025. Arizona’s star quarterback Noah Fifita was essential to the victory, throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown. Because of his excellent performance, Fifita was named the Bob Moran MVP of the 2025 Territorial Cup.
SMU this season
SMU ended their season with a close 38-35 loss to the University of California, Berkeley. This loss took them out of the running for the ACC Championship Game. Before this game, the Mustangs had a three-game winning streak taking victories over the University of Miami, Boston College and the University of Louisville. Throughout the 2025 season, SMU recorded 14 offensive scoring drives that resulted in touchdowns within two minutes.
SMU’s quarterback Kevin Jennings demonstrated great strength this season leading the way for the Mustangs’ success. Jennings is in the top 14 in the country in completions per game, passing yards per game, total passing yards, and passing touchdowns.
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