Michael Lev
@michaeljlev.bsky.social
He/him. Senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star. Also: husband, father, softball pitcher, Gulf of Mexico stan. Got a story idea? Email me: [email protected] 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇦
The soon-to-be-screaming kids have occupied the ZonaZoo area for the Arizona women's basketball "Field Trip Game" tipping in about 20 minutes.
Here's a fresh notebook focusing on lineups and lingering issues for Becky Burke's squad:
tucson.com/sports/arizo...
Here's a fresh notebook focusing on lineups and lingering issues for Becky Burke's squad:
tucson.com/sports/arizo...
Becky Burke continues to tinker with lineup as Arizona seeks return to win column
Arizona women’s basketball notebook: On the impetus for the Wildcats’ lineup and rotation changes; rebounding and free-throw issues vs. New Mexico; and Eastern Kentucky’s résumé.
tucson.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:38 PM
The soon-to-be-screaming kids have occupied the ZonaZoo area for the Arizona women's basketball "Field Trip Game" tipping in about 20 minutes.
Here's a fresh notebook focusing on lineups and lingering issues for Becky Burke's squad:
tucson.com/sports/arizo...
Here's a fresh notebook focusing on lineups and lingering issues for Becky Burke's squad:
tucson.com/sports/arizo...
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: A behind-the-scenes look at how the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl matchup came together. Per usual, it was anything but stress-free.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Uncertainty, relief mark final moments as Arizona Bowl secures 2025 foes | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Arizona Bowl officials wanted Fresno State and Miami (Ohio) all along. Then college football threw them a curveball. This is the story of how they handled it.
tucson.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: A behind-the-scenes look at how the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl matchup came together. Per usual, it was anything but stress-free.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Two new pieces from me dropping this morning:
1. For @tucson.com subscribers, how Mica Mountain football climbed the mountain again, overcoming adversity during the season and early in the 4A state championship game:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. For @tucson.com subscribers, how Mica Mountain football climbed the mountain again, overcoming adversity during the season and early in the 4A state championship game:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Thunderbolts strike twice: How Mica Mountain became a back-to-back state champ | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Mica Mountain overcame adversity during the season and the state title game to become the first Tucson-area football program to win consecutive championships in nearly 50 years.
tucson.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Two new pieces from me dropping this morning:
1. For @tucson.com subscribers, how Mica Mountain football climbed the mountain again, overcoming adversity during the season and early in the 4A state championship game:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. For @tucson.com subscribers, how Mica Mountain football climbed the mountain again, overcoming adversity during the season and early in the 4A state championship game:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Recruits are literally signing documents to receive money from schools now. But for Brent Brennan and Arizona football, recruiting is still about people and relationships. And that approach is working for the Wildcats. My latest:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Revenue-sharing is here, but recruiting is still about people for UA football | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Although revenue-sharing is officially part of the package now, recruiting remains a relationship-driven endeavor for Brent Brennan and the Arizona football program.
tucson.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Recruits are literally signing documents to receive money from schools now. But for Brent Brennan and Arizona football, recruiting is still about people and relationships. And that approach is working for the Wildcats. My latest:
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Want to relive the Territorial Cup? Of course you do! My contributions:
1. Five Takeaways from Tempe, including a breakdown of the brilliant fourth-and-1 call that put the game away
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Five Takeaways from Tempe, including a breakdown of the brilliant fourth-and-1 call that put the game away
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 23-7 Territorial Cup victory over ASU | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s win over ASU in the Territorial Cup, including another dominant defensive performance; a better-late-than-never breakthrough for the run game; and more.
tucson.com
November 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Want to relive the Territorial Cup? Of course you do! My contributions:
1. Five Takeaways from Tempe, including a breakdown of the brilliant fourth-and-1 call that put the game away
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Five Takeaways from Tempe, including a breakdown of the brilliant fourth-and-1 call that put the game away
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Football content incoming!
1. Five Takeaways from Arizona 41, Baylor 17, including the vibe in the building (pretty good and enhanced by the shirtless bros in the upper deck)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Five Takeaways from Arizona 41, Baylor 17, including the vibe in the building (pretty good and enhanced by the shirtless bros in the upper deck)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 41-17 victory over Baylor | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s resounding win over Baylor, including the Wildcats’ vastly improved depth; another defensive masterpiece; a new weapon wearing No. 4; and more.
tucson.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Football content incoming!
1. Five Takeaways from Arizona 41, Baylor 17, including the vibe in the building (pretty good and enhanced by the shirtless bros in the upper deck)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Five Takeaways from Arizona 41, Baylor 17, including the vibe in the building (pretty good and enhanced by the shirtless bros in the upper deck)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The latest "Lev it on the Field" column is online and available for your consumption! Topics include:
-Changing what "This is Arizona football" means
-Noah Fifita's assault on the UA record book
-Brent Brennan's "On to Cincinnati" moment
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Changing what "This is Arizona football" means
-Noah Fifita's assault on the UA record book
-Brent Brennan's "On to Cincinnati" moment
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Breaking down Arizona football’s game at Cincinnati, other Big 12 happenings | Michael Lev
Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona football’s Week 12 game against Cincinnati and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.
tucson.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The latest "Lev it on the Field" column is online and available for your consumption! Topics include:
-Changing what "This is Arizona football" means
-Noah Fifita's assault on the UA record book
-Brent Brennan's "On to Cincinnati" moment
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Changing what "This is Arizona football" means
-Noah Fifita's assault on the UA record book
-Brent Brennan's "On to Cincinnati" moment
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Should Arizona run the ball more? You're not the only one thinking that.
But "balance" is in the eye of the beholder.
I examine what I call the Wildcats' "true" running rate and where they stack up against their Big 12 peers in the latest Cats Stats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
But "balance" is in the eye of the beholder.
I examine what I call the Wildcats' "true" running rate and where they stack up against their Big 12 peers in the latest Cats Stats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Seth Doege believes Arizona’s offense is balanced; what do the numbers say?
As Arizona football treks to Cincinnati, the latest “Cats Stats” tackles a question on many UA fans’ minds: Do the Wildcats run the ball as much as they should?
tucson.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Should Arizona run the ball more? You're not the only one thinking that.
But "balance" is in the eye of the beholder.
I examine what I call the Wildcats' "true" running rate and where they stack up against their Big 12 peers in the latest Cats Stats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
But "balance" is in the eye of the beholder.
I examine what I call the Wildcats' "true" running rate and where they stack up against their Big 12 peers in the latest Cats Stats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The latest @ArizonaFBall report card is LIVE. No subscription required to read/participate.
Sneak preview:
QB: B-minus
OL: C-minus
DB: ????
Coaching B-plus
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Sneak preview:
QB: B-minus
OL: C-minus
DB: ????
Coaching B-plus
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The latest @ArizonaFBall report card is LIVE. No subscription required to read/participate.
Sneak preview:
QB: B-minus
OL: C-minus
DB: ????
Coaching B-plus
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Sneak preview:
QB: B-minus
OL: C-minus
DB: ????
Coaching B-plus
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
A little pregame reading for ya ... Lev it on the Field! Topics include:
-Can Arizona becomes something more than a basketball school?
-Evidence of real improvement
-The maturation of Bobby Wade
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Can Arizona becomes something more than a basketball school?
-Evidence of real improvement
-The maturation of Bobby Wade
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
A little pregame reading for ya ... Lev it on the Field! Topics include:
-Can Arizona becomes something more than a basketball school?
-Evidence of real improvement
-The maturation of Bobby Wade
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Can Arizona becomes something more than a basketball school?
-Evidence of real improvement
-The maturation of Bobby Wade
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
New from me: It's the latest Cats Stats!
In this one, I examine how the passing game was different vs. Houston - more bubble screens, quick game, intermediate routes - and how that could be a formula for success for Noah Fifita & Co.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
In this one, I examine how the passing game was different vs. Houston - more bubble screens, quick game, intermediate routes - and how that could be a formula for success for Noah Fifita & Co.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Short, quick passes offer path to prosperity for QB Fifita, Arizona offense
Arizona’s offensive approach vs. Houston allowed quarterback Noah Fifita to flourish. The Wildcats would be wise to replicate it vs. Colorado and beyond, as we explain in “Cats Stats.”
tucson.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:52 AM
New from me: It's the latest Cats Stats!
In this one, I examine how the passing game was different vs. Houston - more bubble screens, quick game, intermediate routes - and how that could be a formula for success for Noah Fifita & Co.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
In this one, I examine how the passing game was different vs. Houston - more bubble screens, quick game, intermediate routes - and how that could be a formula for success for Noah Fifita & Co.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
New one from me for @tucson.com subscribers on Brent Brennan and the overall state of affairs with Arizona football. This piece goes in some unexpected directions.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
On Brent Brennan, the state of Arizona football and a lasting 1st impression | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Brent Brennan has Arizona football pointed in the right direction. But he’s reached point where close losses aren’t good enough. The Wildcats have to start winning.
tucson.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
New one from me for @tucson.com subscribers on Brent Brennan and the overall state of affairs with Arizona football. This piece goes in some unexpected directions.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
My good friend @pjbrown024.bsky.social recently launched a Substack about women's sports. I can think of no better person to tell those stories than PJ.
If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:
theundercovered.substack.com/p/spend-a-fe...
If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:
theundercovered.substack.com/p/spend-a-fe...
Spend a few good minutes with ... former Arizona and pro basketball player Sam Thomas
Thomas on her life after playing basketball
theundercovered.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My good friend @pjbrown024.bsky.social recently launched a Substack about women's sports. I can think of no better person to tell those stories than PJ.
If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:
theundercovered.substack.com/p/spend-a-fe...
If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:
theundercovered.substack.com/p/spend-a-fe...
Good morning! Here's some pregame reading for @tucson.com subscribers. Topics in this week's "Lev it on the Field" column include:
-Why the Houston game is so important for Brent Brennan
-Texas Tech's tortilla trouble
-ASU's throwbacks
-"19 seconds"
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Why the Houston game is so important for Brent Brennan
-Texas Tech's tortilla trouble
-ASU's throwbacks
-"19 seconds"
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Breaking down Arizona’s game vs. Houston, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev
Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona’s Week 8 game against Houston and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.
tucson.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Good morning! Here's some pregame reading for @tucson.com subscribers. Topics in this week's "Lev it on the Field" column include:
-Why the Houston game is so important for Brent Brennan
-Texas Tech's tortilla trouble
-ASU's throwbacks
-"19 seconds"
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Why the Houston game is so important for Brent Brennan
-Texas Tech's tortilla trouble
-ASU's throwbacks
-"19 seconds"
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Lunchtime read ...
What's going on with Arizona softball? Get the lowdown from the head coach herself, Caitlin Lowe, in this Q&A:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
What's going on with Arizona softball? Get the lowdown from the head coach herself, Caitlin Lowe, in this Q&A:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
UA softball coach Caitlin Lowe on portal, rebuilt pitching staff, finding ‘right people’
A Q&A with Arizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe, who discusses the Wildcats’ busy offseason, what she’s seen from the newcomers this fall and more.
tucson.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Lunchtime read ...
What's going on with Arizona softball? Get the lowdown from the head coach herself, Caitlin Lowe, in this Q&A:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
What's going on with Arizona softball? Get the lowdown from the head coach herself, Caitlin Lowe, in this Q&A:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
I guarantee you won't find a more thorough breakdown of Arizona football's red-zone issues than right here in the latest "Cats Stats."
(big thanks to my research department - i.e., me)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
(big thanks to my research department - i.e., me)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Dissecting Arizona’s red-zone woes entering difficult matchup at Houston
Why has Arizona football struggled so much in the red zone? We break down where it’s gone wrong — and how to make it right — in “Cats Stats.”
tucson.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I guarantee you won't find a more thorough breakdown of Arizona football's red-zone issues than right here in the latest "Cats Stats."
(big thanks to my research department - i.e., me)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
(big thanks to my research department - i.e., me)
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Although the home debut of the Tucson Baseball Team has been delayed, the club is scheduled to open its season Wednesday at Hermosillo. Here's a primer I put together on the Tucson Baseball Team and the Mexican Pacific Winter League:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
tucson.com/sports/colle...
Primer on Tucson Baseball Team, Mexican Winter League as club awaits home debut
Although its home debut has been delayed, the Tucson Baseball team is scheduled to play ball Wednesday at Hermosillo. Here’s a primer on the club and its league.
tucson.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Although the home debut of the Tucson Baseball Team has been delayed, the club is scheduled to open its season Wednesday at Hermosillo. Here's a primer I put together on the Tucson Baseball Team and the Mexican Pacific Winter League:
tucson.com/sports/colle...
tucson.com/sports/colle...
Two new items for you ...
The first, for @tucson.com subscribers, is 5 Takeaways. I get into everything, including the second-half coaching decisions and the play-calling in the red zone.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The first, for @tucson.com subscribers, is 5 Takeaways. I get into everything, including the second-half coaching decisions and the play-calling in the red zone.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 33-27 double-overtime loss to BYU | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona football’s double-overtime loss to BYU, including a positive development for the Wildcats, some dubious decisions, red-zone struggles and more.
tucson.com
October 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Two new items for you ...
The first, for @tucson.com subscribers, is 5 Takeaways. I get into everything, including the second-half coaching decisions and the play-calling in the red zone.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The first, for @tucson.com subscribers, is 5 Takeaways. I get into everything, including the second-half coaching decisions and the play-calling in the red zone.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
A *flood* of Arizona football content is coming your way today. Here are my two pieces for @tucson.com subscribers:
1. Cats Stats. I tried to determine whose defense has actually been better, UA or BYU. A case can be made for the Wildcats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Cats Stats. I tried to determine whose defense has actually been better, UA or BYU. A case can be made for the Wildcats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Arizona vs. BYU is a battle of elite defenses; which one is better?
In the latest “Cats Stats,” we break down the battle of elite defenses between Arizona and BYU. Who has the edge? An analysis of the numbers reveals a surprising outcome.
tucson.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
A *flood* of Arizona football content is coming your way today. Here are my two pieces for @tucson.com subscribers:
1. Cats Stats. I tried to determine whose defense has actually been better, UA or BYU. A case can be made for the Wildcats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
1. Cats Stats. I tried to determine whose defense has actually been better, UA or BYU. A case can be made for the Wildcats.
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The latest Arizona football football report card is LIVE. No subscription needed to read/participate.
Sneak peek:
WR/TE: A-
DL/LB: A-
DB: A
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Sneak peek:
WR/TE: A-
DL/LB: A-
DB: A
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The latest Arizona football football report card is LIVE. No subscription needed to read/participate.
Sneak peek:
WR/TE: A-
DL/LB: A-
DB: A
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Sneak peek:
WR/TE: A-
DL/LB: A-
DB: A
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Morning reads ...
1. What's the latest with the Tucson Baseball Team? How did Arizona Baseball fare at the Mexican Baseball Fiesta? Full report from Kino Stadium.
tucson.com/sports/colle...
1. What's the latest with the Tucson Baseball Team? How did Arizona Baseball fare at the Mexican Baseball Fiesta? Full report from Kino Stadium.
tucson.com/sports/colle...
Mexican Baseball Fiesta: Tucson Baseball Team makes Kino debut; U of A rallies
Mexican Baseball Fiesta notebook: On the Tucson Baseball Team’s ongoing preparations and plans for opening night, Arizona’s emphatic rally against Hermosillo and more.
tucson.com
October 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Morning reads ...
1. What's the latest with the Tucson Baseball Team? How did Arizona Baseball fare at the Mexican Baseball Fiesta? Full report from Kino Stadium.
tucson.com/sports/colle...
1. What's the latest with the Tucson Baseball Team? How did Arizona Baseball fare at the Mexican Baseball Fiesta? Full report from Kino Stadium.
tucson.com/sports/colle...
Two new pieces from me today for
@tucson.com subscribers:
1. On Brian Hook building a culture of discipline and accountability at Flowing Wells, where the long-downtrodden football team is off to a 5-0 start
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
@tucson.com subscribers:
1. On Brian Hook building a culture of discipline and accountability at Flowing Wells, where the long-downtrodden football team is off to a 5-0 start
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Culture, discipline elevate unbeaten Flowing Wells football team | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Flowing Wells football is off to a 5-0 start, matching its win total from last season. A culture of discipline and accountability has fueled the Caballeros’ turnaround.
tucson.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Two new pieces from me today for
@tucson.com subscribers:
1. On Brian Hook building a culture of discipline and accountability at Flowing Wells, where the long-downtrodden football team is off to a 5-0 start
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
@tucson.com subscribers:
1. On Brian Hook building a culture of discipline and accountability at Flowing Wells, where the long-downtrodden football team is off to a 5-0 start
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Latest from me: An Arizona women's basketball notebook! Featuring:
-A homecoming for Achol Magot
-Another comeback for Montaya Dew?
tucson.com/sports/colle...
-A homecoming for Achol Magot
-Another comeback for Montaya Dew?
tucson.com/sports/colle...
Redshirt sophomore returns home to Tucson with Arizona women’s basketball
Arizona women’s basketball notebook: On center Achol Magot’s return to Tucson and improvement as a player; forward Montaya Dew’s loyalty and determination; and more.
tucson.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Latest from me: An Arizona women's basketball notebook! Featuring:
-A homecoming for Achol Magot
-Another comeback for Montaya Dew?
tucson.com/sports/colle...
-A homecoming for Achol Magot
-Another comeback for Montaya Dew?
tucson.com/sports/colle...
ICYMI ... 5 Takeaways from Arizona-Iowa State:
-Defensive breakdowns
-Fifita's issues
-Special-teams woes
-Dubious decisions
-Optimism despite all of the above
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Defensive breakdowns
-Fifita's issues
-Special-teams woes
-Dubious decisions
-Optimism despite all of the above
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ 39-14 loss to No. 14 Iowa State | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s 39-14 loss at Iowa State on Saturday, including defensive lapses, Noah Fifita’s accuracy issues, special-teams blunders and more.
tucson.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:47 AM
ICYMI ... 5 Takeaways from Arizona-Iowa State:
-Defensive breakdowns
-Fifita's issues
-Special-teams woes
-Dubious decisions
-Optimism despite all of the above
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
-Defensive breakdowns
-Fifita's issues
-Special-teams woes
-Dubious decisions
-Optimism despite all of the above
tucson.com/sports/subsc...
The latest UA football report card is LIVE.
Offensive line: B+
Special Teams: D
Coaching: ???
Check it out here. No subscription needed.
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Offensive line: B+
Special Teams: D
Coaching: ???
Check it out here. No subscription needed.
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
September 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
The latest UA football report card is LIVE.
Offensive line: B+
Special Teams: D
Coaching: ???
Check it out here. No subscription needed.
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Offensive line: B+
Special Teams: D
Coaching: ???
Check it out here. No subscription needed.
speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...