Arizona Football Lands Key 2026 Commitment, Strengthening Recruiting Class
The Arizona Wildcats continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail with another addition to their 2026 class, securing a commitment from safety James Pike as a preferred walk-on.
Pike, who currently stars at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, will join a program already familiar with Brophy talent. The Wildcats’ roster already features three former Broncos — Aiden Miller (freshman DB), Jacob Buggie (freshman LB), and Tyler Powell (redshirt junior TE).
Though Pike had scholarship offers from Fordham and Northern Arizona, he opted to walk on at Arizona, betting on himself and the opportunity to play at the Power Five level.
Over the past two seasons at Brophy, Pike has put up strong numbers on both defense and special teams. In 22 games, he’s totaled 112 tackles (84 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and nine quarterback hurries. He’s also recorded three interceptions, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery, along with a 17-yard punt return this season.
Arizona has a rich history of walk-ons earning scholarships and making major impacts, including current team captain Treydan Stukes, former standout Dorian Singer, and legendary safety Chuck Cecil. Cecil, one of the greatest players in program history, went from walk-on to Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, finishing his Arizona career with 21 interceptions, including nine in his senior year.
Singer, meanwhile, developed into one of the Pac-12’s top receivers in 2022, posting 66 receptions for 1,105 yards and six touchdowns, while Stukes has become a leader and veteran presence on this year’s squad.
Under head coach Brent Brennan, Arizona’s 2026 recruiting class currently ranks No. 43 nationally, according to 247Sports. The class is headlined by four-star quarterback Oscar Rios, who committed in June, and includes 20 hard commits overall. Among them is linebacker Dash Fifita, the younger brother of current Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.
With Pike’s commitment, the Wildcats continue to solidify a recruiting class that blends star power with depth — and a culture that rewards hard work and development.
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