Arizona coach Brent Brennan says ‘Come December everyone will be talking about Noah’ Fifita after taking blame for last year’s struggles at Big 12 Media Days.
FRISCO, Texas — Arizona head coach Brent Brennan didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the struggles of quarterback Noah Fifita, who went from early Heisman dark horse to growing pains last season as the Wildcats finished 3-9.
Speaking Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days, Brennan said the blame for Fifita’s sophomore step back falls squarely on him.
“Noah taking a step back was my fault,” Brennan said. “But come December, everyone will be talking about Noah.”
Fifita threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year, but consistency was elusive as Arizona lost seven of its last eight games. Now, Brennan said, the junior QB is ready to thrive under a more stable system and improved supporting cast.
Brennan also pointed to the next-level talent Arizona has recently produced at wide receiver, praising Tetairoa McMillan, a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers this spring. McMillan joins Dave Canales’ new offense in Charlotte, which Brennan believes is tailor-made for the former Wildcats star.
“I’m excited to see what he’s going to do in Coach Dave’s offense,” Brennan said. “This is the perfect fit for him, and it’s his time to shine. T-Mac’s going to crush it in the NFL.”
Replacing a talent like McMillan won’t be easy, but Brennan said the Wildcats’ receiver room has depth and experience ready to step up. He highlighted Luke Weisse, Tre Spivey and Chris Hudson as key contributors, plus the development of Genesis Smith, who stayed loyal to Arizona despite portal interest.
“We put enough wideouts in that room, putting up skill positions around [Noah] and an offensive front,” Brennan said. “Luke Wysong, Trey Spivey, Chris Hunter — so there’s a lot of change there, but also a good influx of what we consider high-level talent.”
Brennan, now in his second season in Tucson after seven years at San José State, said he’s learned that program building comes down to people who truly want to be there.
“I learned the transition is tough, and the only way to move forward is the people that want to be there, that are totally committed and really connected,” Brennan said.
Arizona opens its slate of games this fall with Fifita at the helm of Brennan’s faith that better days — and December headlines — are ahead.
Category: General Sports
