Arizona Wildcats Land Transfer QB from Wisconsin
The Arizona Wildcats bolstered their roster by securing Wisconsin quarterback transfer Braedyn Locke. Locke, a sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, previously played at Mississippi State before joining Wisconsin. He steps into a backup role behind returning starter Noah Fifita for the 2025 season.
Locke played a significant part in Wisconsin’s offense last season after stepping in for an injured Tyler Van Dyke. He recorded 1,936 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 55% completion rate.
Arizona also strengthened its defense by adding FCS All-American linebacker Blake Gotcher, who led Division I with 162 tackles last season. Gotcher has one year of eligibility left. Another notable acquisition is wide receiver Tre Spivey, a Kansas State transfer and Chandler native, who caught 14 passes for 160 yards as a redshirt freshman.
Noah Fifita confirmed his return for the upcoming season under new offensive coordinator Seth Doege, despite the Wildcats losing key players in the transfer portal. Among the departures is linebacker Jacob Manu, an All-Pac-12 First Team selection in 2023, who is joining Washington for the 2025 season. Manu missed much of the 2024 season due to a knee injury but will reunite with former Arizona coach Jeff Fisch.
Arizona’s defensive backfield has seen significant turnover, with starters Tacario Davis, Marquis Groves-Killebrew, Treydan Stukes, and Gunner Maldonado entering the portal. Davis, once considered a potential first-round NFL draft pick, is among the most notable losses.
The Wildcats endured a disappointing 2024 season under head coach Brent Brennan, finishing 4-8 after a projected fifth-place finish in the Big 12. The season ended with a 49-7 loss to Arizona State.
Arizona Wildcats Transfer Portal Tracker (2025 Offseason)
Additions:
- RB Mike Mitchell (Utah)
- Edge Riley Wilson (Montana)
- WR Tre Spivey (Kansas State)
- LB Blake Gotcher (Northwestern State)
- S Dalton Johnson (Returning to Arizona)
- WR Kris Hutson (Washington State)
Departures:
- CB Marquis Groves-Killebrew
- QB Adam Damante
- LB Jacob Manu (Washington)
- CB Tacario Davis
- S Gunner Maldonado (Kansas State)
- TE Keyan Burnett (Kansas)
The Wildcats’ offseason moves highlight both key gains and significant challenges as they aim to rebuild for the 2025 campaign.
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