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Though maybe not the powerhouse school like some of the rest, the Arizona Wildcats football program still has a rich history filled with memorable moments, notable victories, and standout players who have made their mark not just on the program but college football itself.
Before Arizona football kicks off for the 2024 season, now in the Big 12 conference, we decided to rank the top 10 players in the Wildcats history.
1. Ricky Hunley (LB, 1980-1983)
Ricky Hunley is widely regarded as the greatest player in Arizona Wildcats history. Known for his leadership, intensity, and playmaking ability, Hunley was a two-time consensus All-American in 1982 and 1983. He was the first player in school history to earn such honors and finished his college career with 566 tackles, which remains a school record. Hunley's dominance on the field earned him the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award twice and a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Hunley's impact extended beyond his playing days as he went on to have a successful coaching career. His contributions to Arizona football and his outstanding college career secure his place as the greatest Wildcat of all time.
2. Chuck Cecil (S, 1984-1987)
Chuck Cecil was one of the most ferocious and hard-hitting safeties in college football history. Known for his fearless style of play, Cecil earned All-American honors in 1987 and was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his college career with 21 interceptions, a school record that still stands today.
Cecil's most memorable moment came in 1986 when he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Arizona State, a play that is still celebrated by Wildcats fans. Cecil went on to have a successful NFL career and has also made significant contributions as a coach. His legacy as one of the toughest and most talented players in Arizona history is unquestioned.
3. Tedy Bruschi (DE/LB, 1991-1995)
Tedy Bruschi is one of the most beloved players in Arizona football history. Known for his relentless motor and playmaking ability, Bruschi tied the NCAA career sack record with 52 sacks. He was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 1995.
Bruschi's leadership and performance on the field helped Arizona become one of the top defensive teams in the country during his tenure. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl titles. Bruschi's impact on Arizona football and his professional success secure his place among the all-time greats.
4. Chris McAlister (CB, 1996-1998)
Chris McAlister was one of the most talented and versatile defensive backs in college football during his time at Arizona. Known for his speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability, McAlister earned unanimous All-American honors in 1998. He finished his college career with 18 interceptions and also excelled as a return specialist, scoring touchdowns on both punt and kickoff returns.
McAlister's standout performances helped lead Arizona to a 12-1 record and a victory in the Holiday Bowl in 1998. He went on to have a successful NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and winning a Super Bowl. McAlister's contributions to Arizona football and his professional achievements make him one of the greatest Wildcats.
5. Ka'Deem Carey (RB, 2011-2013)
Ka'Deem Carey is one of the most productive running backs in Arizona history. Known for his vision, balance, and ability to break tackles, Carey set numerous school records during his time with the Wildcats. He was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award in 2013.
Carey finished his college career with 4,239 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns, both school records. His standout performances helped lead Arizona to multiple bowl appearances. Carey went on to play in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. His contributions to Arizona football and his record-setting career secure his place among the all-time greats.
6. Antoine Cason (CB, 2004-2007)
Antoine Cason was one of the most skilled and consistent cornerbacks in Arizona history. Known for his coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and leadership, Cason earned unanimous All-American honors in 2007 and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. He finished his college career with 15 interceptions and four defensive touchdowns.
Cason's standout performances helped solidify Arizona's defense during his tenure. He went on to have a successful NFL career with multiple teams. Cason's impact on Arizona football and his professional achievements make him one of the greatest Wildcats.
7. Brandon Sanders (S, 1991-1995)
Brandon Sanders was a key player in Arizona's “Desert Swarm” defense, known for his hard-hitting style and playmaking ability. Sanders earned All-American honors in 1995 and finished his college career with 15 interceptions and numerous memorable performances.
Sanders' leadership and impact on the field were instrumental in Arizona's success during the early 1990s. He went on to have a brief NFL career and has made significant contributions as a coach. Sanders' legacy as a cornerstone of Arizona's dominant defense ensures his place among the greatest Wildcats.
8. Nick Foles (QB, 2009-2011)
Nick Foles is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Arizona history. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership, Foles set numerous school records, including career passing yards (10,011) and passing touchdowns (67). He earned All-Pac-12 honors and led the Wildcats to multiple bowl appearances.
Foles' standout performances at Arizona helped elevate the program's profile. He went on to have a successful NFL career, including a Super Bowl MVP performance with the Philadelphia Eagles. Foles' contributions to Arizona football and his professional success secure his place among the all-time greats.
9. Trung Canidate (RB, 1996-1999)
Trung Canidate was one of the most explosive and productive running backs in Arizona history. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to break long runs, Canidate set the school record for career rushing yards (3,824) and rushing touchdowns (37) during his time with the Wildcats. He earned All-Pac-10 honors and was a key player in Arizona's high-powered offense.
Canidate's standout performances helped lead Arizona to a 12-1 record and a victory in the Holiday Bowl in 1998. He went on to play in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams. Canidate's contributions to Arizona football and his record-setting career ensure his place among the greatest Wildcats.
10. Rob Gronkowski (TE, 2007-2009)
Rob Gronkowski, often referred to as “Gronk,” is one of the most talented and impactful tight ends in college football history. During his time at Arizona, Gronkowski displayed a unique combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability that made him a matchup nightmare for defenses. Despite playing only two seasons due to injuries, Gronkowski set numerous records, including most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end at Arizona with 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Gronkowski's performances on the field earned him All-American honors and established him as one of the premier tight ends in the country. He went on to have an illustrious NFL career with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and Super Bowl titles. Gronkowski's contributions to Arizona football and his professional achievements secure his place among the greatest Wildcats.
