Former Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on track to open the NFL season as a rookie starter for the Washington Commanders—a proud yet poignant twist for Wildcats fans. His sudden ascent begs a lingering question in Tucson: How different would last season have been with him in uniform?
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Rising Stars
Likelihood of ex-Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt starting in NFL as rookie a bittersweet development for Wildcat fans
Photo by Arizona Desert Swarm
Key Takeaways:
- Ex-Arizona star Jacory Croskey-Merritt is likely to start in the NFL as a rookie.
- He is competing in preseason with the Washington Commanders.
- The news is “bittersweet” for Arizona Wildcats supporters.
- Fans wonder how his presence might have changed the Wildcats’ 2024 season.
- The development was first reported by Arizona Desert Swarm on Aug. 19, 2025.
The Rookie Opportunity
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s professional story is moving quickly. A year removed from the University of Arizona backfield, the running back now “likely” lines up with the Washington Commanders’ first-team offense when the NFL season kicks off.
Arizona Roots, Tucson Echoes
Croskey-Merritt carried Wildcats hopes before departing for the pros. His college résumé, though fresh in fans’ memories, is suddenly overshadowed by the prospect of him taking the opening handoff on Sundays—some 2,000 miles from Tucson.
A Commanding Chance
The URL of the original report spells it out: “nfl-preseason-washington-commanders.” In that preseason camp, Croskey-Merritt appears to have impressed enough to move into starting-role discussions in a backfield that includes veteran Brian Robinson Jr.
Bittersweet in the Desert
Arizona Desert Swarm calls the development “a bittersweet one for Wildcat fans,” punctuating it with the question, “How different would last season have been?” It is a sentiment echoed across alumni message boards and coffee shops near campus: pride in a former player, tempered by thoughts of what might have been.
The ‘What-If’ Season
Without their standout runner, the Wildcats fought on but ultimately lacked his explosive option out of the backfield. Now, with Croskey-Merritt on the verge of NFL stardom, the hypothetical looms larger: could his presence have shifted close games, boosted morale, or changed postseason fortunes?
Looking Ahead
What’s clear is that come Week 1, many in Tucson will tune in to Washington’s opener. They will cheer for Croskey-Merritt’s success—and, perhaps, wince at the reminder of a season forever framed by “what if.”
