The 2026-27 college football season is approaching, and the Big 12 Conference is holding its annual Media Days on July 7-8 in Frisco, Texas. Arizona is sending seven players to the event, including senior linebacker Taye Brown.

Taye Brown’s Profile

Brown had 93 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in the 2025 season. Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales believes Brown is ready to join the list of great Wildcat linebackers and that a breakout season is in store for him.

"Taye Brown is one of the best linebackers in the Big 12, if not the best," Gonzales said. "He'll probably lead our team in tackles, or be in the top three this year. He'll be in the top five in the Big 12, and if we can stay healthy, we'll have all those great things that we had last year."

Brown has become a constant in the linebacker room and on the defense as a whole. He is still fighting the efforts by Gonzales to "out recruit" him. "He's always trying to motivate me and push me to be my best and not let me get comfortable," said Brown.

With Brown showing that there are no days off, linebackers coach Josh Bringuel has a trust with him that allows the defense to run schemes like the "Red Rover" formation. "He lets us do whatever we want, just as long as we're on the ball, and be in position for our assignments," Brown said.

Brown was named to the second team All-Big 12 team by Phil Steele Magazine. If Arizona wants to be as successful as it was last season, Brown needs to continue his consistent play and if his stats continue to climb then the Wildcats could find themselves as a contender for the Big 12 championship.

Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.