TUCSON, Ariz. — Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are officially staying at Arizona.
During the first media timeout at Saturday's Arizona vs. UCLA basketball game, Fifita and McMillan walked onto the court at McKale Center to announce they're sticking around. Most of the Arizona Football team joined them on the court.
The duo out of Servite High School in Orange County, or Juice County as they call it, said in a video, "Tucson we have unfinished business. We're running it back."
The crowd went crazy!
Fifita was named Offensive Freshman of the Year by the Football Writers Association of America. He also earned Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors after winning Freshman of the Week honors a conference-record five times.
Fifita is Arizona's first quarterback to complete more than 70% of his passes in a season. His 25 touchdown passes were the most of any FBS freshman this season, and his 2,869 passing yards were fifth among all freshmen.
After a dynamic freshman season, Tetairoa McMillan took that step further in as a sophomore in 2023. He caught 90 passes for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns.
They'll now look to lead Arizona into a new era, both under Brent Brennan and in the Big 12.
The duo isn't the only group of Wildcats who announced they're staying Saturday.
Dalton Johnson, Treydan Stukes, and Gunner Maldonado posted a video on social media announcing they'll also remain at Arizona in 2024.
The trio was also a huge part of the Wildcats rebuild on defense in 2023. They combined for 222 total tackles (141 solo), four interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, and three fumble recoveries just this season.
Johnson, Stukes and Maldonado were all at McKale to celebrate their return. Linebacker Jacob Manu, Offensive Lineman Jonah Savaiinaea and Linebacker Justin Flowe were among the Wildcats also in attendance.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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