The Wildcats hit the practice fields Wednesday morning for their first session of the 2026 season, with quarterback Noah Fifita and a deep receiver corps taking center stage.
Arizona football officially returned to the grind Wednesday morning as the Wildcats held their first fall training camp practice at Tomey Field and the adjacent Davis Sports Center. The session, which began in the morning heat, marked the start of preparations for the 2026 season under head coach Brent Brennan.
Brennan, entering his third season at the helm, was active throughout the practice, high-fiving players during warmups and sharing a few words with senior quarterback Noah Fifita. Fifita, who recently got engaged over the weekend, looked sharp in team drills, delivering passes with his usual precision.
One of the early storylines from the first practice was the play of the secondary. Cornerback Dwight Bootle (No. 12) and safeties Matai Tagoa’i (No. 4) and Cam Chapa (No. 13) were all involved in tackling drills, with Bootle showing physicality in one-on-one situations. The defense also forced turnovers, as noted in the related coverage: Malcolm Hartzog and Zuri Watson each intercepted passes during the session.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Giovanni Richardson (No. 5) was seen running through defenders, while Isaiah Mizell stood out in team periods during the second practice, according to the Star’s notes. The receiving corps appears deep, with several players rotating in and out of drills.
The offensive line drew attention as well, with a mix of veterans and newcomers working in hitting drills. Tristan Bounds (No. 71), Malachi Joyner (No. 68), Louis Akpa (No. 72), and Rhino Tapa’atoutai (No. 59) were among those participating, along with Javian Goo (No. 62), Justin Morales (No. 74), and Sione Tohi (No. 56). Offensive line coach Josh Oglesby was seen coaching up his unit during the physical portions of practice.
Quarterback Oscar Rios (No. 9) also saw significant reps, looking to pass and showing mobility in the pocket. The Wildcats are expected to have a competitive backup battle behind Fifita, who is in his final season with the program.
Practice took place at both Tomey Field and the Davis Sports Center, with the team splitting time between outdoor drills and indoor work. The facilities, located on the University of Arizona campus, are open to the public for viewing, though fans are advised to check with the athletic department for any schedule changes.
As camp progresses, Brennan and his staff will look to build depth and evaluate talent across the roster. The Wildcats are coming off a season that saw them compete in the Big 12, and expectations are high for a strong finish in 2026.
For fans eager to catch a glimpse of the team, fall camp practices are generally free and open to the public, but it’s recommended to arrive early and bring water, as Tucson’s August heat can be intense. The team will continue practicing through the month, leading up to the season opener.