The Arizona Wildcats are heading into the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose. After wrapping up 2024 with a tough 4-8 record, Brent Brennan is entering his second year as head coach with a clear mission. They will surely get this team back on track and make Arizona a real player in the Big 12. Let’s dive into Arizona’s 2025 football schedule and see where the Wildcats might rise—and where they’ll need to fight like hell.
2025 Arizona Wildcats Football Schedule
- August 30: vs. Hawai’i
- September 6: vs. Weber State
- September 13: vs. Kansas State
- September 27: at Iowa State
- October 4: vs. Oklahoma State
- October 11: vs. BYU
- October 18: at Houston
- November 1: at Colorado
- November 8: vs. Kansas
- November 15: at Cincinnati
- November 22: vs. Baylor
- November 28 or November 29: at Arizona State
Season Opener and Non-Conference Games
The Wildcats open things up at home on August 30 against Hawai’i—a matchup that should be a confidence booster, provided Arizona doesn’t come out flat. The next week, they face Weber State, an FCS team that can’t be taken lightly. FCS upsets have burned FBS teams before, so this one’s more about staying focused and executing cleanly.
Then comes a unique twist: Kansas State on September 13, technically a non-conference game even though both teams are now in the Big 12. That’s thanks to pre-alignment scheduling quirks. But don’t be fooled—this game is big. Kansas State is a tough, well-coached squad, and this contest will be a great early barometer of Arizona’s progress in Year Two under Brennan.
Big 12 Conference Play
Arizona’s official Big 12 slate begins on the road against Iowa State (September 27)—not an easy place to play. The Cyclones are known for their physicality and defense, so the Wildcats better bring their A-game right out of the gate.
They return to Tucson for a two-game home stretch against Oklahoma State (October 4) and BYU (October 11). Oklahoma State hasn’t seen Arizona since 2012, so there’s some novelty here—and a chance to make a statement. BYU, meanwhile, is beatable but always physical. These games could be turning points in the season.
Then comes a tough road test at Houston on October 18. The Cougars have an explosive offense that can punish defenses that don’t communicate well. Arizona’s secondary will need to be sharp, and the pass rush will have to show up.
After a bye, Arizona hits the road again to face Colorado (November 1) and Cincinnati (November 15)—two tough environments. Boulder’s altitude is always a factor, while Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati is loud and hostile. Sandwiched between is a home matchup with Kansas (November 8)—a potential must-win if bowl hopes are still alive.
Arizona’s final home game is November 22 against Baylor, and this one could have serious implications. If Brennan’s squad is in the hunt for bowl eligibility, beating the Bears at home will be crucial.
Season Finale: The Territorial Cup
Then comes the big one: the Territorial Cup. Arizona wraps up the regular season with a trip to Arizona State on November 28 or 29. No matter the record, this one always matters. The intensity, the bragging rights, the fan emotions—it’s all there. After losing to ASU last season, a win here could cap the year with serious momentum and give Brennan a signature rivalry victory early in his tenure.
Brennan’s first year wasn’t pretty, but no one expected a miracle in 2024. What matters now is whether this team shows clear improvement—and the signs are promising. Brennan has emphasized rebuilding both lines of scrimmage, and that focus shows in the 2025 recruiting class. He’s brought in some high-upside playmakers too, like Isaiah Mizell and Gio Richardson, who bring speed and versatility to the offense.
Brennan’s experience building up San José State—where he took them to three bowls and won the 2020 Mountain West Coach of the Year—shows he knows how to develop programs from the ground up. He’s also restructured parts of his staff to better fit his long-term vision, which should help with cohesion and player development.
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If things click, this could be the year the Wildcats take a real step forward. And if they close the season by beating ASU? Even better.
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