Every Arizona Player Drafted Under Brent Brennan

The Wildcats head coach produced a good crop of players in 2025.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:04pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the official colors of the Arizona Wildcats representing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.Brennan's Wildcats produce a new wave of NFL talent, breaking through the ranks with a cubist, geometric style.Tucson Today

Arizona head football coach Brent Brennan is entering his third season at the helm, and the Wildcats have made plenty of strides during his brief tenure. One of the most significant improvements is the development of NFL-caliber talent and draft prospects. Arizona has 20 draft hopefuls entering the 2026 Draft, but not all will be selected. Still, it builds on an impressive run for Brennan's alums.

Why it matters

Brennan's ability to develop NFL talent is a major boost for the Arizona program, as it helps attract top recruits and raises the profile of the Wildcats nationally. The success of these drafted players also reflects well on Brennan's coaching and the overall direction of the Arizona football team.

The details

Arizona has had four players drafted under Brennan's leadership so far: WR Tetairoa McMillan (8th overall, 2025), G Jonah Savaiinaea (37th overall, 2025), K Tyler Loop (186th overall, 2025), and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (245th overall, 2025). McMillan set a program record with 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, becoming the highest drafted Wildcat ever. Savaiinaea was a consistent offensive lineman, while Loop set kicking records and became the first kicker ever drafted by the Ravens. Croskey-Merritt had a breakout final season after transferring to Arizona, leading to his late-round selection by Washington.

  • Brent Brennan is entering his third season as Arizona's head coach in 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will feature 20 draft hopefuls from Arizona.
  • Tetairoa McMillan was drafted 8th overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2025.
  • Jonah Savaiinaea was drafted 37th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
  • Tyler Loop was drafted 186th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
  • Jacory Croskey-Merritt was drafted 245th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2025.

The players

Brent Brennan

The head football coach of the Arizona Wildcats, now in his third season leading the program.

Tetairoa McMillan

A wide receiver who set Arizona's program record with 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, and was drafted 8th overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2025.

Jonah Savaiinaea

An offensive guard who was a three-year starter for Arizona's offensive line and was drafted 37th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2025.

Tyler Loop

Arizona's placekicker who set program records for career field goal percentage and longest field goal, and was drafted 186th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

A running back who transferred to Arizona for his final season and was drafted 245th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2025 after a strong performance in the East-West Shrine Game.

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What they’re saying

“Brent Brennan has done an incredible job developing NFL talent at Arizona in a short period of time. The Wildcats are becoming a pipeline for pro-ready players.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will be the next major milestone for Brennan and Arizona, as they look to continue producing high-level draft prospects to build on their recent success.

The takeaway

Brent Brennan's ability to identify and develop NFL-caliber talent at Arizona has been a major boost for the program. The Wildcats' recent draft success has raised the team's national profile and should help attract top recruits in the years to come.