Preview magazine season is here as we roll into the back half of June, and college football fans begin to set their eyes on what will come in the year ahead.
Along with Phil Steele and Lindy’s, Athlon Sports has made a name for itself as one of the giants in the preview magazine business, cementing itself as a mainstay on grocery store shelves across the nation.
This magazine, in particular, has long had a segment during this part of the season when they ask coaches anonymously about the other schools in their league.
It’s here where we’ll take a look at what one Big 12 coach has to say about Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.
Fifita quickly rose to star status as a freshman in 2023, posting the eighth-best quarterback rating in the nation, 83.8.
The California native led Arizona to a 10-3 season that was capped off with a big win in the Alamo Bowl over No. 12 Oklahoma, 38-24. Fifita beat out opposing quarterback Jackson Arnold and stole the spotlight with 354 passing yards and two scores through the air.
“Keeping Fifita and McMillan was an absolutely massive swing,” one Big 12 coach said. “Fifita could be the breakout star of the Big 12. OC Dino Babers knows how to maximize his weapons. Even though Fisch ran more pro-style stuff and Dino is a spread guy, I don’t think they’re going to overhaul it.”
In his first season as a starter in Tuscon, Fifita threw for 2,869 yards on 241 completions. He also posted an impressive touchdown to interception ratio of 25-6.
While Fifita is set to enter his first season of Big 12 football with a new head coach on the sidelines, the duo of Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan will likely strike fear into every defensive coordinator in the league.
Should Fifita continue his hot start to his career, Arizona football could make a case for a Big 12 Championship appearance in the near future.
Arizona will open the 2024 season against New Mexico on Saturday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m CT, and coverage will be provided on ESPN+
