Going along with Arizona’s unexpected 3-0 start to the season, there have been many players who have surprised people with their performances. Here are five of those players who have surprised us during the first three games of the 2025 season:
RB Quincy Craig
In the season opener, Craig ran wild on Hawaii. He had 125 rushing yards and a 54 yard touchdown.
“I don’t think Quincy’s success surprised any of us,” said Brennan. “He had an incredible week of practice. Really, really attacked the work and showed up on gameday.”
While he’s only had 40 yards in the last two games, his availability is what’s key. When Ismail Mahdi or Kedrick Reescano he needs to be ready to take some of the load.
Craig’s explosiveness when he gets the ball is also key. He’s only lost one yard this season, which means he’s moving the ball across the line of scrimmage more often than not.
As long as Craig can continue to be efficient when running the ball, he can continue to be relied upon when it gets late in tightly contested games.
WR Javin ‘Nunu’ Whatley
After only having three catches for 38 yards in the season opener, Whatley would pop off with 168 yards on five catches and two touchdowns against Weber State.
One of those touchdowns came from 85 yards out and put him as the number one deep threat on the roster.
“I was on his head on Wednesday about playing faster, just all the time, and I think that showed up tonight,” said Brennan after the Weber State game.
Not only is he a deep threat, he is a reliable target. On a key fourth down attempt against Kansas State, Noah Fifita looked his way and converted the fourth down.
As the season goes on, the Fifita to Whatley connection will continue to grow, especially if the offense wants to take more and more deep shots.
DL Malachi Bailey
While he may not be a starter (yet), Bailey has shown strong flashes of playing like a starter. To start the season, he is second on the team in tackles for loss with three and half.
Bailey is also tied for first in quarterback hurries with Chase Kennedy who both have three. In the spring, Danny Gonzales was unsure if Bailey was ready to take the step up into power four football.
After a successful fall camp, and a good start to the season, Bailey will likely see more playing time come his way. He is a big reason why Arizona has been stout with the run defense.
“Just buying into what my coaches were preaching and teaching, effort and execution,” Bailey said after the Hawaii game. “We live by that, so that was something I had to come along with.”
DB Gavin Hunter
In the absence of Treydan Stukes in the first two games, Hunter has been able to step up and show his ability to make plays.
Late in the Hawaii game, just when it seemed like the Rainbow Warriors would find the end zone, Hunter made sure to deny them when he picked the ball off.
Along with his interception, he has two pass breakups and eight tackles. Hunter has patiently waited his turn to show what he can, and now has become a guy that Gonzales and Brennan can go to if Stukes cannot.
DB Ayden Garnes
While his stats may not catch the eye, his effort shows on the field. With three pass breakups, Garnes has shown that he can be trusted when he is put on the field.
With six tackles on the season, Garnes has found an ability to disrupt the quarterback. He may not have numerous sacks, but he was a big reason Avery Johnson could not connect with his receivers.
The ability to rush the quarterback while also being able to cover wide receivers makes him a “secret weapon.”
