Arizona played Washington significantly tougher than most thought. And a big reason why was the defense.

On the offense, Noah Fifita started our slow but caught fire in the second half. What does this mean going forward?

And can the Cats steal a game against USC in LA?

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Locked On Wildcats covers Arizona sports with an emphasis on basketball and football. Leif Thulin discusses why Arizona basketball should win the Big 12 this year, citing their unique winning formula, balance of offense and defense, and outstanding size. The episode includes a "holiday wish list" outlining areas for improvement for Arizona basketball in conference play, specifically reducing turnovers, achieving consistent outside shooting from the wings, and finding an effective balance between leading scorers.

The show then previews Arizona’s upcoming Holiday Bowl matchup against SMU, analyzing key storylines such as quarterback play, defensive strengths, turnover margins, and potential outcomes. Leif explores Arizona football’s impressive rise, highlighting the program’s retention of both coaches and players, its strong culture, strategic hiring of a new general manager, and its financial position within the Big 12.

[00:00:02] Arizona basketball and football outlook

[00:04:02] Arizona's BBALL Wishlist

[00:12:10] Arizona football bowl aspirations

[00:18:12] Arizona vs SMU preview

[00:21:06] Staff and player retention

[00:27:01] Quarterback and team potential

Arizona Wildcats, Big 12, college basketball, college football, Arizona basketball, Arizona football, Brent Brennan, SMU, Holiday Bowl, turnovers, team retention, coaching staff, sports podcast, player development

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAZWildcats?sid=YouTube

Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege

#Arizona #ArizonaWildcats #ArizonaFootball #ArizonaBasketball

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Locked On Wildcats breaks down the analytically proven recipe to win championships in college basketball, focusing especially on Arizona's fit with the winning formula. Leif Thulin explains that size is the key factor—more than pace or three-point shooting—in building a championship contender. The discussion includes a detailed analysis of Arizona's strengths in rebounding, defense, and possession advantage, referencing recent top teams and champions to illustrate the model. The episode also features a recap of Arizona's win over Bethune Cookman, key takeaways from that game, and an assessment of which teams nationwide fit the championship blueprint.

00:01:08 – Size discussion in CBB

00:04:58 – Arizona's defense

00:10:18 – Top teams all have what in common?

00:12:22 – Game recap vs Bethune Cookman

00:17:11 – Turnover issues

00:24:44 – 2025-26 Championship contenders

Arizona Wildcats, college basketball, size, rebounding, defense, turnovers, Bethune Cookman, championship formula, top teams

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAZWildcats?sid=YouTube

Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege

#Arizona #ArizonaWildcats #ArizonaFootball #ArizonaBasketball

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.