Arizona

The Wildcats built their 9-3 breakthrough around elite defense, and that foundation remains intact heading into 2026. Arizona's defense grades out as the nation's 17th-best unit at +5.8 points per game, a massive advantage that should keep them competitive in every Big 12 contest. The offense sits at a pedestrian +0.8 (#52 nationally), but shrewd portal work brought in difference-makers like tight end Cole Rusk from Illinois (14.8 PPA) and receiver Rodney Gallagher III from West Virginia (14.2 PPA). Noah Fifita's departure creates uncertainty under center, though the new signal-caller inherits significantly upgraded weapons.

JP+ projects 6.9 wins for Arizona in a loaded Big 12, with road trips to Texas Tech and BYU representing the season's toughest tests alongside a home date with Utah. The defensive ceiling remains championship-caliber, but special teams weakness (-0.5, #122 nationally) could prove costly in close conference games. If the quarterback competition produces competent play and the portal additions mesh quickly, Arizona has the pieces for a Big 12 title run. If not, that stellar defense will need to carry an offense that's barely above average into bowl season.