Arizona football shut out of Big 12 preseason all-conference team

The Big 12 Conference decided to do away with a preseason poll for 2025, at least in part because the one it had a year ago predicted its eventual champion would finish last out of 16 teams.

Had there been a Big 12 preseason poll it stands to reason that Arizona would be at or near the bottom following a disastrous 4-8 campaign in 2024 (after being picked fifth). That would align with the Wildcats’ representation on the Big 12 Preseason All-Conference Football Team.

Or lack thereof.

Arizona did not have a player listed on the preseason team, which unlike the Pac-12 only goes one deep.

The UA was one of four schools not to have a player on the preseason team, along with Houston, Oklahoma State and UCF. Those schools have four of the five worst odds to win the Big 12, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, which has Arizona tied for second-worst at +5000.

Arizona’s win total for 2025, per FanDuel, is 5.5 wins, with the odds at +120 to top that number and -148 to finish below.

ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt was named Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, with Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Former New Mexico QB Devon Dampier, now at Utah, is the Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

The Big 12 is set to hold its annual Football Media Days Tuesday and Wednesday in Frisco, Texas. Arizona is scheduled to appear on Wednesday, with coach Brent Brennan accompanied by quarterback Noah Fifita, offensive lineman Rhino Tapa’toutai, defensive lineman Tre Smith and defensive backs Dalton Johnson, Genesis Smith and Treydan Stukes.