It took nearly two weeks and nine practices, but the Arizona Wildcats finally practiced under the lights at Arizona Stadium.
Here are notes and takeaways from a 95-degree Saturday evening, as the Wildcats enter an off-day on Sunday:Â
* One of the highlights of Saturday's practice was an acrobatic catch by Washington State transfer receiver Kris Hutson, who pirouetted near the sideline and hauled in a pass from quarterback Noah Fifita for a gain of roughly 40 yards. However, the catch was ruled out of bounds. In a later team period, Hutson caught another deep pass over cornerback Jay'Vion Cole for huge gain. The 5-11, 173-pound Hutson has displayed playmaking abilities on deep passes in training camp.Â
* Hutson, Chattanooga transfer Javin Whatley and Kansas State transfer Tre Spivey were Arizona's starting trio at receiver, with tight end Tyler Powell, running back Ismail Mahdi and quarterback Noah Fifita as the other skill players. Arizona's starting offensive line was Michael Wooten, Ise Matautia, Ka'ena Decambra, Alexander Doost and Tristan Bounds.
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* In a 7-on-7 period, Spivey caught a pass over the middle from Fifita for a 42-yard touchdown. Freshman safety Coleman Patmon had a pass breakup in coverage of slot receiver Jeremiah Patterson. Patmon, a 6-2, 207-pounder from Del Valle, Texas, also worked with Arizona's second unit in a team period.Â
* Players returning kickoffs on Saturday include Mahdi, running back Quincy Craig, Whatley and wide receivers Gio Richardson, Luke Wysong, Patterson and Isaiah Mizell.
* Defensive backs worked on high-pointing interceptions on deep passes in a one-on-one drill.Â
* In a team period, reserve defensive lineman and Northwestern State transfer Chancellor Owens tackled Craig in the backfield. Redshirt junior Devin Dunn intercepted a pass that went through the hands of Patterson. Defensive tackle Julian Savaiinaea had a tackle for loss and a quarterback pressure. Defensive end Tre Smith recorded a sack. Mahdi had a 20-yard touchdown near the left sideline.Â
* Smith, Cerritos College transfer Leroy Palu, Tiaoalii Savea and Dominic Lolesio made up Arizona's starting defensive line.Â
* Alcorn State transfer defensive end Malachi Bailey sacked backup quarterback Braedyn Locke. Bailey and redshirt freshman Jabari Mann combined for a sack. Bailey, who had a mild spring, has had a productive training camp. Â
Photos: University of Arizona training camp continues, Big 12 football
Noah Fafita lets go a throw while working with the other quarterbacks as the Wildcats continue with their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Defensive back Dalton Johnson runs under a throw, working on his coverage as the Wildcats continue with their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Receivers Tre Spivey III, left, Landon Kelsey and Gil Richardson jostle for a throw while running drills as the Wildcats continue with their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Kicker Tyler Prasuhn loosens up withthe Wildcats as the team continues their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Defensive back Jay’vion Cole eyes the short throw while marking receiver Devin Hyatt running routes as the Wildcats continue with their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Running back Anthony Wilhite makes the grab on a short route working on passing drills with the Wildcats during their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Receiver Devin Hyatt, left, maintains his concentration on the ball while receiver Jordan McCord III applies some light pressure during their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Receiver Kris Huston makes the come-back run to the ball while running routes with the quarterbacks at the Wildcats pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Defensive back Coleman Patton eyes a coach standing in for a ball carrier while working on his defensive skills as the Wildcats continue with their preseason training camp on Aug. 9.
Receiver Tre Spivey III runs under an arcing throw for an over-the-shoulder catch as the Wildcats continue their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Receiver Gio Richardson gets the head-high throw on his short route as the Wildcats continue with their preseason training camp, Aug. 9, 2025, in Tucson.
Running back Ismail Mahdi eyes the hole as he runs behind a block on a drill in he Wildcats pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Seth Doege watches with a couple of his charges, Braedyn Locke, left, and Noah Fifita, as the Wildcats run some offensive drills in their pre-season training camp, August 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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