The eagerly awaited Holiday Bowl is poised to deliver an exciting contest as both No. 17 Arizona and SMU are expected to compete with their primary rosters largely intact, a refreshing change of pace in a bowl season often characterized by numerous player opt-outs. This particular game, taking place in San Diego, presents a fascinating dynamic where SMU's powerful aerial attack will test Arizona's highly rated pass defense, promising a compelling battle on the field. Coaches from both sides have expressed their appreciation for the additional opportunity this bowl game provides their teams, emphasizing the extended period for player development and camaraderie.
SMU, boasting an impressive 8-4 record, features the nation's 11th-ranked passing offense, averaging 283.5 yards per game. This offensive prowess is largely attributed to quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has accumulated 3,363 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. Jennings recently confirmed his return to SMU for his fifth and final year of eligibility in 2026, highlighting his commitment to the program. Last year, he led the Mustangs to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and secured a College Football Playoff berth, showcasing his leadership and skill.
Conversely, the 9-3 Arizona Wildcats counter with a formidable defense, ranked fourth nationally against the pass. They have been exceptionally stingy, conceding a mere 155.9 passing yards per game and only nine total passing touchdowns throughout the season. Their defensive backfield, anchored by All-Big 12 first-team selections Dalton Johnson and Treydan Stukes, each with four interceptions, plays a crucial role in their success. On the offensive side, Arizona's quarterback Noah Fifita has been equally impressive, throwing for 2,963 yards and 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions, in addition to three rushing touchdowns.
The current landscape of college football, with the transfer portal looming, makes the commitment of key players like Jennings even more significant. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee noted that while players might transfer, he doesn't anticipate many opt-outs for the bowl game, reflecting a desire to finish the season strongly. Arizona coach Brent Brennan, while playing his cards close to his chest regarding his roster, has instilled a similar mindset, viewing the bowl game as an invaluable extension of the season. Only minor opt-outs have been reported, such as Arizona offensive lineman Michael Wooten and SMU edge rusher DJ Warner, who plan to enter the transfer portal.
Arizona enters the Holiday Bowl on a high note, having concluded their regular season with a five-game winning streak that included significant road victories against ranked opponents Cincinnati and Arizona State. A victory in this game would mark their fifth season with ten wins in program history, and their second in the last three years, underscoring their recent resurgence. For SMU, this game presents an opportunity to break a long-standing bowl drought, as they have not secured a bowl victory since the 2012 Hawaii Bowl, having lost their last five postseason appearances. This will be their second Holiday Bowl appearance, with their previous outing resulting in a loss to BYU in 1980. Arizona, on the other hand, makes its third trip to the Holiday Bowl, having won in 1998 against Nebraska before falling to the Cornhuskers in 2009.
This Holiday Bowl matchup promises to be a showcase of collegiate talent and strategic football. With both teams featuring accomplished quarterbacks and strong defensive units, the contest is set to be a tightly fought battle. The commitment of key players from both Arizona and SMU ensures that fans will witness a high-quality game, providing an exciting conclusion to the season for these two competitive programs.