With still over five months until Arizona football kicks off its season against NAU on September 5, spring ball brings opportunities for young and new faces to try and make their marks on the program.
Brennan and his staff brought in 24 transfers and 13 high school recruits to bring the competition that is needed for every Wildcat to become better. Even with all the new faces, Brennan believes that some faces from last season are primed for leadership roles.
“I think the good news is the bulk of our
team that is returning, they understand exactly what the expectations are from me as the head coach, from our coordinators in all three phases, and from the position coaches,” he said.
On Tuesday, head coach Brent Brennan focused on how much excitement there is with the position battles that will take place this spring. While battles may not be finalized until the fall, it gives a starting point for the 2026 season.
“The guys that have joined us, they have played a lot of football,” said Brennan. “The good news is that we got eight weeks of offseason to see them fit in with our group of guys, and that’s been really good for the guys that were here last year.”
Tapa’atoutai moves to guard
One of the most noticeable changes from the first practices of the spring is where offensive lineman Rhino Tapa’atoutai is positioned on the offensive line. After beginning his career at left tackle, he has moved to the guard position for the spring.
“Just looking at his skill set and how strong he is, how explosive he is, it just seems like he’s a better fitted guard,” said offensive coordinator Seth Doege.
The offense was already going through the search for a new guard with Chubba Maae running out of eligibility. If Tapa’atoutai can make the change, it could lead to one less problem to worry about for Arizona.
“It’s much more quicker,” said Tapa’atoutai on the change. “On the inside, the game happens a lot faster. You don’t have as much time as you do, compared to tackle because at tackle, you’re on an island. I’m not really complaining about that. Sign me up.”
Arizona still has holes to fill on the line. Ka’ena Decambra and Ty Buchanan also running out of eligibility leaves the center and left tackle positions open.
For Brennan, it will be hard to assess where the offensive line stands and it won’t get easier until the team is deeper into the spring. However, names like Matthew Lado and Nate Hale at left tackle and Zachary Henning at center could be real possibilities.
“I think that’s hard, and I think we just need to get playing,” said Brennan. “I know that we’re excited about what Lado is going to do, because he came in and played some really good football for us at the end of the season. We’re excited about Zach. Zach came in from the transfer portal from Washington. We think he’s going to be a good player for us.”
Running backs getting more reps
A couple players that won’t be participating in spring practices include running backs Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig. The spring was more than likely already bringing more reps to the young and new backs, but now with the two veterans out, reps will come in abundance.
Wesley Yarbrough did see some action last season with 21 carries for 77 yards. Even Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts saw action with 512 yards and four touchdowns. Cornelius Warren III saw the least action for seven carries and 32 yards against Colorado last season.
Regardless of how much or how little action the running backs have seen, Brennan is ready to see all of them answer the call for the spring.
“I’m excited to see Wesley play, I’m excited to see Corn play, I’m excited to see Antwan play,” said Brennan.
Receivers/tight ends look to replace seniors
Another group trying to replace senior production is the wide receiver room. Kris Hutson, Luke Wysong, and Javin Whatley combined for 1,532 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but are out of eligibility.
Arizona does bring back production from Tre Spivey, Chris Hunter, and Giovanni Richardson who combined for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns. Brennan hopes the trio can emulate the leadership that last year’s seniors brought. He even has high hopes for Brandon Phelps who saw limited action last season.
“Gio had the most production last season, but all of them are really good football players and have had outstanding offseasons,” said Brennan “Mizell put on some good weight. Brandon Phelps, like statistically, numbers wise, in his squat, clean bench, all that stuff was one of the best on the team in terms of the jump.”
The tight end room is also looking to replace senior leadership with Sam Olson and Cameron Barmore out of eligibility. The hope is that Tyler Powell, who got injured in the first game of the season last season is able to fully recover and return to his starting position.
“Having TP come back is going to be huge for us, because he was the starter going into game one, he won that job,” said Doege. “So, if you look at it, it’s almost like we’re getting our starter back.”
Even with production coming back from last season, that did not stop the Wildcats from bringing in help from the transfer portal.
DJ Jordan, Rodney Gallaghar III, and Jordan Ross are some names to look out for in the terms of wide receivers. Cole Rusk, Arthur Ban, and Shane King could be some names that come out of the tight end room.
