Contributions from Reed Borcherding
TUCSON, AZ — The Arizona Wildcats football team competed against the Kansas Jayhawks this past Saturday, and it was a homecoming game for the ages. Noah Fifita and company struck first, with a 16-yard touchdown pass to the senior tight end, Sam Olson, at 7:44 into the contest.
However, the Hawks responded with a touchdown drive of their own, ending the quarter tied 7-7. Kansas would keep the momentum into the second quarter as quarterback Jalon Daniels threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., followed by a 46-yard field goal by Laith Marjan to put the Hawks up 17-7.
Just before halftime, Arizona would finally respond with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Quincy Craig. After two quarters, Kansas led Arizona 17-14.
The third quarter featured more efficient defense on both sides. Arizona settled for a Michael Salgado-Medina 41-yard field goal in the heart of the quarter to tie the game. However, Kansas’ Laith Marjan responded with a 50-yard bomb to give Kansas the lead late, 20-17.
Defenses continued to thrive in the final quarter as the clock continued to wind down. Kansas and Arizona exchanged punts before Kansas drove into Arizona territory looking to end the game.
With victory nearly in Kansas’ grasp, the Jayhawks were unable to punch in a decisive touchdown. Forced to settle for a 30-yard field goal attempt, Laith Marjan missed his first kick of the year, giving Arizona an opportunity still down 20-17.
Arizona seized on the opportunity, with the drive encapsulating with a 24-yard rushing touchdown from Quincy Craig. The Wildcats held the lead with 39 seconds , forcing Kansas to need a touchdown.
The Jayhawks made it interesting, but ultimately Kansas’ Hail Mary attempt failed, and Arizona beat the Jayhawks 24-20, becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2023.
