Arizona Wildcats football faces a mixed injury report ahead of Saturday’s Top 25 matchup against the 13th‑ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Big 12’s first availability list confirms that lockdown cornerback Jay’Vion Cole will miss the game, joining tight end Shane King and defensive linemen Kevin Moore and Ezra Funa on the out list.
Key defensive loss
Cole started the first seven contests of the 2026 season, allowing just 16 receptions on 30 targets and earning a reputation as one of the conference’s highest‑graded corners. In his absence, Arizona is expected to promote Dwight Bootle II, who has been rotating with Cole and Tyrese Boss in the two‑corner system. Slot defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. could also see time at the corner position.
Potential offensive boost
On offense, wide receivers Chris Hunter and Giovanni Richardson are listed as questionable. Both missed the previous two games after injuries sustained on Oct. 3 against Cincinnati, the same contest that sidelined fellow receiver Tre Spivey for the season. Their possible return would give head coach Jedd Wagstaff additional weapons as the Wildcats look to improve their passing attack.
Tight end Cole Rusk, who has been out for several weeks, is listed as doubtful, while running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris are also marked questionable for non‑injury reasons. Both players are seeking emergency injunctions to restore eligibility after appearing in a handful of games earlier this season.
Texas Tech injury note
For the Red Raiders, running back Cameron Dickey is listed as questionable after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. The Wildcats will monitor his status as they prepare for a high‑stakes conference battle.
What the Wildcats need
Arizona’s defense will need to adjust quickly without Cole, relying on the depth and versatility of its secondary. Offensively, the possible return of Hunter and Richardson could revive a passing game that has struggled with consistency. The outcome of the eligibility hearings for Mahdi and Harris may also shape Arizona’s roster depth moving forward.
Both teams enter the game with national attention, and the result could influence Big 12 standings as the season heads toward its championship stretch. Fans in Tucson and across Arizona will be watching closely to see how the Wildcats adapt to the injury setbacks and whether the questionable players can contribute on Saturday.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
