Jake Dickert commented on Arizona’s quarterback situation on Monday afternoon ahead of Washington State’s meeting with the Wildcats.

Jedd Fisch stated Monday that Jayden de Laura will be starting if healthy. However, Dickert indicated he would be surprised if it’s not redshirt freshman Noah Fifita getting the start Saturday. Fifita led the offense against USC in Week 6. The Trojans needed overtime to beat the Wildcats behind Fifita’s 303 yards passing and 5 touchdowns.

Dickert said that the Cougars are preparing for both de Laura and Fifita. de Laura hasn’t played since Week 4 against Stanford after suffering a lower-body injury.

“I don’t know how you don’t play the young guy,” Dickert said, referring to Fifita. “This guy has been efficient and effective as anybody in the last two weeks. He is operating the offense at really high level. They’re both really talented and operating at high levels, so you prepare for both of them.”

Washington State will be smart to prep for the possibility of either QB playing. The Cougars are familiar with de Laura as he left Pullman by way of the transfer portal.

De Laura has played in four games with 1,069 yards passing and 12 total touchdowns this season. Fifita has played in five games with starts in the last two. Fifita has 604 yards passing with 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions so far this season.

Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. PT on Saturday.