Noah Fifita’s return, along with the addition of Wisconsin transfer Braedyn Locke, gives Arizona solid quarterback stability as they head into the 2025 season.
Noah Fifita returns for his third year as Arizona’s quarterback following a challenging 2024 season, during which his performance regressed for several reasons. With All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan moving on to the NFL, Arizona’s passing game will look notably different in 2025.
According to ESPN’s ranking of all 136 FBS quarterback situations for 2025, Arizona sits 56th, with 55 programs ahead. Despite losing McMillan, Arizona averaged 247.9 passing yards per game in 2024, finishing 42nd nationally.
Joining Fifita is Wisconsin transfer Braedyn Locke, who brings experience entering his fourth college season. Locke spent the past two years at Wisconsin, completing 53.6% of his passes for 2,713 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Prior to Wisconsin, he was at Mississippi State in 2022 but did not see game action.
Arizona gains quarterback stability with Locke’s addition, but Fifita will need a bounce-back season for the Wildcats to find offensive success in 2025. After completing 72.4% of his passes for 2,869 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 2023, Fifita’s numbers dipped in 2024 to 60.5% completion with 2,958 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Here’s a paraphrased version:
Tier 10: One More Chance (Seven Players)
Quarterback Comparison
QB A posted an 88.0 QBR, averaged 9.84 yards per pass, threw 8 touchdowns against 4 interceptions, and completed 19 passes of 20 yards or more.
QB B recorded a 59.4 QBR, 6.06 yards per pass, 6 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and just 6 completions of 20 yards or longer.
Pretty clear who has the edge, right? QB A is Arizona’s Fifita last season when throwing to future No. 8 NFL draft pick Tetairoa McMillan. QB B represents Fifita’s numbers when targeting any other receiver on the team.
Tetairoa McMillan was a dominant force in Arizona’s offense over the past two seasons. With McMillan now gone, Arizona’s passing attack is expected to be more diversified in 2025. Returning for the Wildcats is Chris Hunter, who ranked third on the team with 35 receptions, and second with 323 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024.
Hunter is expected to start alongside Washington State transfer Kirs Hutson and New Mexico transfer Luke Wysong. Meanwhile, Seth Doege, formerly from Marshall, steps in as Arizona’s third offensive coordinator during Noah Fifita’s three-year tenure as the starting quarterback. This upcoming season will be crucial for both Arizona and Fifita as they look to make a mark.
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