Arizona Wildcats beat out big-name schools, land highest-ranked recruit in program history

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The Arizona Wildcats' football program has failed to win double-digit games in a season since 2014, but the Wildcats might be on the rise after a historic day Thursday. 

Arizona landed the highest-rated recruit in program history when five-star edge rusher Elijah Rushing committed to the Wildcats. 

The Arizona Wildcats enter the field prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars Nov. 19, 2022, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.  (Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Rushing, a Tucson, Arizona, native, chose the Wildcats over Notre Dame, Tennessee and Oregon. 

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"Being a hometown kid born and raised in the heart of Tucson, this decision holds a special significance for me," Rushing said in a video announcing his commitment. "The opportunity to represent my state, my community and my family on the football field is a dream come true. It is a chance to give back to the place that has shaped me, both as an athlete and as an individual."

Rushing is the No. 8-ranked prospect in the 247 Sports 2024 class. 

The Wildcats are preparing to enter a third year under head coach Jedd Fisch and look to build on the momentum they made in 2022. 

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Arizona went 5-7 in 2022 after a 1-11 finish in Fisch’s first season in Tucson. 

Head coach Jedd Fisch of the Arizona Wildcats is drenched with Powerade after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 38-35 in a game at Arizona Stadium Nov. 25, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"Coach Fisch continuously pitched the