Arizona holds on late for upset win vs. No. 25 Cincinnati

Arizona’s defense forced two turnovers and got a critical stop late as the Wildcats were able to hang on for a 30-24 upset win against No. 25 Cincinnati on Saturday.

After the Wildcats took a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati responded with 75-yard touchdown drive to make it 27-24.

The Wildcats responded with a 11 play, 38-yard drive that took five minutes off the clock and ended on a 51-yard field goal by kicker Michael Salgado-Medina to make it 30-24.

With 1:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati took over on offense but Arizona would force a turnover on downs to secure the win.

Standouts in Arizona win

Defensive back Dalton Johnson was one of the standouts on defense for Arizona, registering eight tackles with a pass defensed and an interception.

On offense, Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita had an effective game on Saturday, completing 23 of 31 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown. Fifita’s threw the touchdown pass to Gio Richardson in the fourth quarter to become Arizona’s career passing touchdown leader.

For the record book.@thenoah_fifita1 has officially become Arizona Football’s career passing touchdown leader with his 68th career TD pass. pic.twitter.com/M0l1fToEzw

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) November 15, 2025

Arizona’s win impacts Big 12 race

Arizona’s win on Saturday helped out several teams in the Big 12 race, including Arizona State, as the Bearcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) were one of three Big 12 teams with just one conference loss entering Saturday.

Texas Tech (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) leads the Big 12 in wins, with BYU (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) and Houston (8-2, 5-2) in second and third, respectively.

Arizona’s next game

Following the win, Arizona (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) will host Baylor at Arizona Stadium next Saturday for the Wildcats’ final home game this season.

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