Arizona Wildcats Enter AP Top 25 Rankings
The Wildcats climb to No. 22 in the AP poll following a decisive victory and their sixth win of the season.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Football
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The Arizona Wildcats have secured a spot at No. 22 in the latest AP Top 25 poll following a dominant 39-3 victory over Iowa State. This win marks the team's fifth consecutive victory, pushing them to a 6-1 overall record.
Why it matters
The win clinches bowl eligibility for the second straight season, positioning the team as a serious contender in the Big 12. Arizona now sits in a three-way tie for second place in the conference alongside BYU and Texas Tech.
Arizona holds a 6-1 overall record and a 3-1 conference mark after besting Iowa State 39-3. This current standing places them in a tie for second within the Big 12, trailing only the undefeated Utah Utes.
The players
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats are the intercollegiate athletic football team representing the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Utah Utes
The Utah Utes are the only undefeated team currently competing in the Big 12 conference rankings.
Iowa State
Iowa State is a Big 12 football program that recently suffered a 39-3 loss to Arizona.
The details
The Wildcats dominated Iowa State on October 24 to reach their current ranking and bowl-eligible status. With the win, Arizona capitalized on losses by conference rivals to solidify its position in the national standings.
Timeline
Arizona lost their second game against BYU in September 2026.
The team first appeared in the AP Top 25 poll on October 18, 2026.
The Wildcats defeated Iowa State 39-3 on October 24, 2026.
Arizona will play Texas Tech in Lubbock on October 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This success marks a continued upward trajectory for the program, echoing the success seen during the 2025 Arizona Wildcats bowl appearance. Securing bowl eligibility this early keeps the team firmly in the mix for a top-tier postseason game.
Arizona has officially secured postseason play with their sixth win of the season. The team remains in a three-way tie for second place in the conference, making their upcoming matchup against Texas Tech a critical game for Big 12 standings.
The takeaway
Arizona has successfully transitioned from an unranked team to a top-25 program in less than a month. Fans should watch the upcoming road game against Texas Tech, as it will determine which team breaks the current three-way tie for second place.
What happens next
The Arizona Wildcats are scheduled to face Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates, check our latest coverage on Football.
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