TUCSON, Ariz. – Hidden within a gated community in Tucson, Arizona’s sophomore quarterback, Noah Fifita, wraps up a card signing session for Topps. Fifita is set to feature in the Bowman Chrome line alongside his best friend, Tetairoa McMillan, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick and his top target on the field.
The backdrop to this collaboration is striking. Arizona’s football team saw a historic season with ten wins, finishing 11th in the final AP poll. Despite lucrative NIL offers elsewhere, both Fifita and McMillan chose to stay, showcasing a loyalty that defied the norm and secured their place on a collectible card line. Their commitment promises to reshape Arizona’s football legacy in a 12-team playoff era.
On Dec. 28, 2023, Arizona triumphed over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl, marking their seventh consecutive victory and signaling their readiness to compete on a national level. Yet, just weeks later, head coach Jedd Fisch departed, triggering uncertainty. Fifita and McMillan, stalwarts of Arizona’s successes, found themselves reevaluating their next steps amid enticing external offers.
The duo’s bond began in eighth grade and has been pivotal ever since. From transforming Servite High School’s football fortunes to navigating high-stakes college decisions, their connection has been unwavering. Post-Fisch’s departure, they deliberated their future at Rubio’s Coastal Grill, ultimately reaffirming their joint commitment to Arizona. A telling moment came when Fifita received a fortune cookie message: “You don’t have to travel far to find what you’re looking for.”
Their retention wasn’t just about loyalty. Arizona’s NIL arm, Desert Takeover, played a part, securing deals with brands such as Crest Insurance and Alerion Aviation. Their podcast, McMillan’s clothing brand, and Fifita’s endorsements reflect their integration into Tucson’s community and the broader NIL ecosystem.
Under new head coach Brent Brennan, Arizona retained its offensive structure, ensuring continuity. Fifita and McMillan’s synergy, built over years, is Arizona’s strategic advantage. This was evident as McMillan set a school record in a Week 1 game, demonstrating their game-changing potential.
As Arizona embarks on its Big 12 Conference journey, the Fifita-McMillan connection is its cornerstone. Their decision to stay eschews the prevailing transient trend in college athletics, emphasizing relationships and long-term goals over immediate financial gains.
Reflecting on his choice, Fifita underscores the value of personal connections over monetary incentives. “Right now, it’s about the people I want to play with. And those people are in Tucson,” he concludes.
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