Saturday, September 5, 2026. Kickoff 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. Arizona) on ESPN+.
Arizona opens its 123rd season and its first full year at the newly named Casino Del Sol Stadium against in-state FCS program Northern Arizona. The Wildcats went 9-4 in Brent Brennan’s second year and return quarterback Noah Fifita for his senior season.
| Kickoff | 9:30 p.m. ET · 8:30 p.m. CT · 6:30 p.m. Arizona (no daylight time) · 6:30 p.m. PT |
| TV | None. Streaming only. |
| Streaming | ESPN+ (in the ESPN app) |
| Venue | Casino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, Arizona |
| Line | Arizona heavily favored. Many books do not post FBS vs. FCS lines until game day. |
Prediction and Odds
Arizona should win easily behind Fifita and a roster that closed 2025 on a five game regular season win streak. Northern Arizona is a Big Sky program that plays the Wildcats regularly and rarely keeps it close.
Our pick: Arizona 42, Northern Arizona 10.
Why This One Matters
Arizona opens Big 12 play in Week 2 at BYU, the earliest league opener in program history, so this is the only tune up. See our Arizona schedule.
How to Watch Without Cable
ESPN+ only. See our streaming guide.
The Bottom Line
Northern Arizona at Arizona kicks off at 9:30 p.m. ET Saturday, September 5 on ESPN+. Arizona in a rout. Result on our live scoreboard.