Salgado-Medina’s 37-Yard Kicker Seals Arizona 29-28 Thriller Over TCU

A Dramatic Finish at Home

The Arizona Wildcats secured a narrow 29-28 victory over the visiting TCU Horned Frogs on Friday, November 6, 2026, thanks to a clutch late-game field goal. The win improves Arizona’s record to 7-2, while TCU falls to 4-5 in the standings.

The game was defined by momentum swings and defensive stops. After trading early points, the Horned Frogs seized control in the second quarter with back-to-back scores. Jaden Craig’s 7-yard run and Hudson Hooper’s dramatic 93-yard interception return gave TCU a 14-10 lead heading into halftime.

Second Half Swings

Arizona responded to start the third quarter with a Noah Fifita 9-yard touchdown run, taking a 17-14 advantage. However, TCU answered immediately in the same period when Jaden Craig found Jordan Dwyer for a 6-yard pass, restoring their lead at 21-17.

The fourth quarter saw Arizona close the gap. Michael Salgado-Medina kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 21-20, but TCU extended its lead to 28-20 on Jaden Craig’s 2-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats mounted a furious comeback attempt, culminating in Quincy Craig’s 15-yard reception from Fifita.

Despite the touchdown, Arizona failed on their two-point conversion attempt, leaving them trailing by two scores with limited time remaining.

The Decisive Moment

With the clock winding down, Noah Fifita led a drive that set up Salgado-Medina for a 37-yard field goal. The kick sailed through the uprights, giving Arizona a 29-28 lead with just seconds left. TCU had no time to respond, and the Wildcats held on for the one-point victory.

Key Performances

Noah Fifita was instrumental in the win, completing 24 of 37 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw one interception. Kedrick Reescano contributed on the ground with 52 rushing yards on 10 carries. Giovanni Richardson led all receivers with 11 catches for 171 yards.

For TCU, Jaden Craig accounted for both passing and rushing touches, finishing 28 of 41 passing for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while adding a rushing score. Amante Martin provided ground support with 35 yards on eight carries, and Kari Ashley led the receiving corps with 14 receptions for 95 yards.

The game was played at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, before an attendance of 40,501 spectators.

Sources

ESPN