👋 GOOD MORNING

Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week, and just days away from the Super Bowl! Even if you’re not a fan of watching the same two teams for the second time in three years, there’s still plenty to look forward to, and make sure you catch up with our amazing PHNX Cardinals team of Bo, Johnny and Damon as they report live from New Orleans all week long. They’re on at 2 pm every day this week, and their guests are INCREDIBLE! Yesterday legendary pitcher Curt Schilling stopped by, and they have also chatted with Cards o-lineman Will Hernandez, analyst Chris Simms and analyst/reporter Mike Florio.

Good stuff. On to the show!

ASU, UA Release Next Season’s Big 12 Schedules

Is it too early to think about college football season?

Nah.

Both Arizona State and Arizona released their Big 12 schedules yesterday, and the conference slate is filled with first-time visits (at least in recent memory), a few critical rematches and a whole lot of fun.

Sun Devils’ Slate Features Championship Rematch: ASU is the reigning Big 12 champion, and it’ll have its work cut out for it next year. There’s plenty for students and fans to look forward to as the team looks to continue the culture that has been building under coach Kenny Dillingham. A few highlights:

• Home opener: Aug. 30 vs. Northern Arizona
• Biggest non-conference test: Sept. 6 at Mississippi State. ASU earned its first-ever win over an SEC opponent against the Bulldogs in Tempe last season.
• Big 12 Championship rematch: Nov. 1 at Iowa State
• Noticeably missing: No rematch against BYU after it felt like a bitter rivalry was beginning last year.

Wildcats Play 5 of First 6 At Home: Arizona is looking for a bounce-back season under coach Brent Brennan. The Wildcats entered the season with lofty expectations, but did not even qualify for a bowl game despite having several gifted weapons on offense. Some schedule notes:

• Home opener: Aug. 30 vs. Hawaii.
• Revenge awaits: Sept. 13 vs. Kansas State. The (other) Wildcats knocked UA out of the top-25 with a 31-7 win in Manhattan, Kans. last season.
• Territorial Cup: Arizona hosts the in-state showdown on either Nov. 28 or Nov. 29 (TBD) with a chance to erase the memory of a 49-7 loss to the Sun Devils in 2024.

My Take: I’m probably in the minority here, but I already miss college football. The first year of Big 12 play for both of these schools was as good as advertised, highlighted by Arizona State capturing the league crown. There are so many storylines to look out for (Can ASU repeat its success without Skattebo? Can the Wildcats recover after a disappointing first season under Brennan?), but you can bet there will be plenty of new challenges for both teams considering the second year in the 16-team conference yields plenty of new opponents and destinations. Honestly, once conference play kicks off there’s virtually no bad matchup.

No matter the game, though, at least it won’t be the Eagles vs. the Chiefs!

Go More In-Depth: Our very own Erik Ruby ​breaks down ASU’s 2025 schedule​ and takes a deep dive into the opportunity the slate presents.

D-Backs Re-Sign Grichuk To 1-Year Deal

The Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Randal Grichuk on Tuesday, and the contract has an option for 2026. The 33-year-old has played for five teams in his career, just recently completing his first season in the desert.

• Grichuk hit a career-best .291 last season.
• His on-base percentage (.348) was also a career-best.
• He struck out just 46 times in 279 plate appearances.
• He did not commit a single error in 57 games in the outfield last year while recording 97 put-outs.

Ask the Expert – Derek Montilla’s Take: Grichuk returning is the best available option for the Diamondbacks based on his versatility, experience, and cost. He was excellent in 2024 as part of their DH platoon and gives the D-backs the right-handed bat they need to pair with Pavin Smith. This move helps solidify their offense after losing Joc Pederson and Christian Walker this offseason.

Musings From Around (and Sometimes Beyond) The Valley

Kir-winning: Sun Devils forward Ryan Kirwan was named the NCHC’s forward of the month after notching 11 goals and six assists in January. The senior helped ASU go 7-2 in the month, and the team is currently tied for first in one of the NCAA’s top conferences.

Add a Dash of family: Linebacker Dash Fifita, the younger brother of Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita, has committed to Arizona as part of the class of 2026. He was the Trinity League (California) Co-Defensive Player of the Year last season after recording 100 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Mercury rising: Newly acquired forward Satou Sabally had her introductory press conference with the Mercury yesterday, and she said all the right things. The two-time WNBA All-Star is part of a new-look Phoenix team that also includes WNBA All-First Team forward Alyssa Thomas.

🧢 Tip of the Hat

If you haven’t tuned in to our amazing PHNX Cardinals crew in NOLA, you’re missing out!