Several returning Arizona defensive players were productive in Holiday Bowl

Fansided | January 6, 2026

Several Arizona defensive players with eligibility remaining beyond 2025 were productive in the 24-19 Holiday Bowl loss to SMU on Friday.

Jan 2, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; SMU Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) prepares to take the snap against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during the Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Six of the top eight tacklers for Arizona in the 24-19 Holiday Bowl loss to SMU on Friday have eligibility remaining beyond 2025. Arizona head coach Brent stated the Holiday Bowl gave the younger Wildcats a chance to get high-level, meaningful reps against a very good opponent.