Undefeated Utah Showdown Gives Arizona QB Noah Fifita a Chance to Enter the Heisman Trophy Race | Deadspin
A chance against Utah
November is often when Heisman contenders become more established. Arizona’s home game against undefeated, second-ranked Utah gives Noah Fifita an opportunity to draw attention in the 2026 race.
Fifita’s four-game run of at least 300 passing yards leads into Utah’s Nov. 14 visit to Tucson. His production has risen amid a number of injuries, while he continues to rank among the nation’s passing leaders.
Arizona’s quarterback cornerstone
A prized recruit of Jedd Fisch, Fifita became Arizona’s starting quarterback about a month into the 2023 season. He guided the Wildcats through a seven-game winning streak. After Fisch’s departure, Brent Brennan retained Fifita, a key recruiting success in Brennan’s time at Arizona. The quarterback has anchored a team that is three wins short of its fourth 10-win season.
Skill beyond his frame
Fifita is described as a smaller quarterback whose field vision and arm strength stand out. The article compares him with Doug Flutie during Flutie’s Heisman-winning season at Boston College. One example came on a pass to Isaiah Mizell: Fifita threw the ball 30 yards through the air, placing it so Mizell had a clear path to the end zone.
Key points
- Fifita can strengthen his 2026 Heisman case against undefeated, No. 2 Utah.
- He has four straight games with at least 300 passing yards.
- Fifita took over as Arizona’s starter during the 2023 season and led a seven-game winning streak.
- Arizona is three wins from its fourth 10-win season.