SAN DIEGO—Arizona’s defense has been a major strength in 2025, particularly when it comes to stopping the pass. But that unit will be shorthanded for the Holiday Bowl against SMU.
Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star is reporting that defensive backs Dalton Johnson, Genesis Smith and Treydan Stukes will not play for the Wildcats on Friday night. Johnson and Stukes are seniors, while Smith is a junior who is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, and combined they have made 86 starts for the UA.
Arizona (9-3) ranks 4th nationally in pass defense, allowing 155.9 yards per game, leading the nation in opposing quarterback rating at 95.16. The Wildcats have intercepted 19 passes, leading to an FBS-best plus-16 turnover margin.
Johnson is the UA’s leading tackler, with 97, while Smith (75) is third and Stukes (52) is fifth. That trio has combined for nine interceptions.
Stepping in for them in the secondary could be a pair of freshmen, Dajon Hinton and Coleman Patmon, along with redshirt sophomore Gavin Hunter. Hunter started the first two games this season for Stukes while he was recovering from knee surgery, while Patmon has appeared in all 12 games and Hinton the last four.
