Arizona’s Transfer Portal Activity and Roster Changes

Arizona has experienced a significant number of player departures through the transfer portal in recent years. Over the past two seasons, 65 players have left the program, which raises questions about the team’s stability and future direction. However, with a record of nine wins and three losses entering their bowl game, there is hope that the 2026 transfer portal cycle will see fewer departures. The 2025 season could play a key role in stabilizing the roster for the upcoming year.

The 2026 Transfer Portal opens on January 2 and closes on January 16. This is the deadline for players to officially enter the portal, after which they can sign with new programs. It’s worth noting that the NCAA has eliminated the spring transfer window, making this one-time opportunity more critical for athletes considering their next steps.

Arizona head coach Brent Brennan believes that having a single transfer portal window provides better clarity for roster management. Under his leadership, the coaching staff has successfully convinced several players who initially entered the portal to remain with the Wildcats.

Players Who Stayed and Those Who Left

Several defensive backs, including Marquis Groves-Killebrew, Dalton Johnson, and Genesis Smith, entered the transfer portal but ultimately chose to stay with Arizona. Meanwhile, tight end Keyan Burnett transferred to Kansas but returned to Arizona after spring practice. Despite this, it’s expected that Burnett will again look to transfer for the 2026 season.

Other notable departures include offensive lineman Michael Wooten, who became the first Arizona player to announce his intention to enter the transfer portal after the regular season. Wooten joined Arizona in 2024 and played in 12 games during the 2025 season.

Defensive lineman Chancellor Owens also announced his decision to enter the portal. Owens played in the first two games of the 2025 season but did not accumulate many stats. Similarly, quarterback Braedyn Locke, who had limited playing time, will be replaced by Sawyer Anderson, Mason Bray, and Luke Haugo.

Other Players Leaving the Program

Bey, who appeared in four games each season without recording any stats, is another player who may be looking to transfer. Okundaye, who only recorded one stat during his time at Arizona, is also likely to leave. Jones, a three-star prospect, has yet to see significant action but still has four seasons of eligibility remaining.

Hyatt, who had a solid 2024 season with seven receptions for 109 yards, saw limited action in 2025. Weber State was the only game where Anderson received playing time during his two seasons with Arizona. Luttrell, a safety with a strong 2024 season, struggled to maintain that level of performance in 2025.

New Players Entering the Portal

Frausto-Ramos, a former four-star prospect from Stanford, did not receive any snaps in 2025 and will likely take a redshirt. Patterson, who had a productive 2024 season, saw a drop in playing time in 2025. Kayden Luke, a fullback/tight end, is the latest Wildcat to enter the transfer portal.

Marquis Groves-Killebrew, a cornerback with a strong two-year tenure at Arizona, has also entered the portal. Gianni Edwards, a true freshman with no stats in 2025, has also decided to transfer.

Summary of Departures

Arizona’s 2026 transfer portal activity reflects a mix of players choosing to stay and those seeking new opportunities. While some players have shown loyalty to the program, others are exploring different paths. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, these changes will shape the roster and potentially influence the program’s trajectory.