Deadspin Field Level Media ranks Arizona No. 4 among men’s Top 25 teams

Arizona returns from Final Four run

Arizona ended a 25-year Final Four drought last season. The Wildcats now have a chance to make another run, with the 2026-27 season approaching. Krivas, the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, could become the focal point of the offense. Kharchenkov also returns after scoring in double figures last season.

Holt brings immediate potential

Freshman guard Caleb Holt is a highly regarded recruit who can shoot and drive. He could become one of the Big 12’s leading scorers and Arizona’s immediate go-to player.

New additions and lineup questions

Arizona landed forward RJ Godfrey, who spent three seasons at Clemson and one at Georgia. His experience and potential to score in double figures could help the team.

The Wildcats will also need to determine how guard Derek Dixon fits into the lineup. The North Carolina transfer made 50 3-pointers last season, and finding his role is among the team’s November tasks.

Early schedule tests Arizona

Arizona opens against UCLA and also faces UConn, St. John’s and Arkansas in nonconference play. The schedule includes three games in the Maui Invitational. Those contests will prepare the Wildcats for a difficult Big 12 slate, putting early pressure on the team to settle its rotations and build momentum.