In a thrilling conclusion to the college football season, the Southern Methodist University Mustangs emerged victorious over the Arizona Wildcats, claiming a 24-19 win in the Holiday Bowl held on January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
The Mustangs set the tone early in the game, with running back T.J. Harden scoring on a one-yard rush to secure the first touchdown of the match. The Wildcats struggled to find their footing, failing to score until the third quarter when quarterback Noah Fifita connected with wide receiver Javin Whatley for a touchdown.
SMU’s defense was formidable throughout the first half, preventing Arizona from putting any points on the board until late in the game, despite the Wildcats mounting a late surge. Both teams concluded their seasons with identical records of 9-4.
Key Players for SMU
Quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a strong performance, throwing for 278 yards and completing 21 of 32 passes. T.J. Harden was a standout on the ground as well, rushing for 40 yards on 10 carries and scoring two touchdowns.
Key Players for Arizona
Noah Fifita was a key player for Arizona, throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the Wildcats in rushing, accumulating 73 yards on 13 carries. Tight end Cameron Barmore contributed significantly to Arizona’s offense, making five receptions and rushing for 61 yards, including a late touchdown that added excitement to the game’s final moments.
