Arizona’s approach to the 2026 transfer portal cycle wasn’t just active-it was calculated. With 21 new transfers coming in and 20 heading out, the Wildcats managed to nearly break even on movement, but took a step forward in overall talent.
According to On3, the incoming group holds an average rating of 65.24, slightly edging out the 64.24 average of the outgoing players. And while that might seem like a marginal difference on paper, the quality at the top of the class shows Arizona is trending in the right direction.
The Wildcats’ 2026 transfer class ranks 28th nationally per On3 and 48th according to 247Sports. That’s a solid standing, especially when you consider the names leading the charge.
USC linebacker Matai Tagoa’i, Northern Colorado safety Cam Chapa, and Illinois tight end Cole Rusk headline the incoming group, each earning an 89 rating from On3. On the flip side, Arizona’s top-rated departures-tight end Keyan Burnett and edge rusher Chancellor Owens-checked in at 87.
So while the Wildcats did lose some talent, they brought in more firepower.
This year’s portal cycle marks a shift from 2025, when Arizona lost 29 players and brought in 27. That kind of turnover can make it tough to build continuity.
But in 2026, with fewer players leaving, head coach Brent Brennan and his staff had the chance to be more selective. Instead of scrambling to fill holes, they could focus on strategic upgrades.
And that’s where the returning core really matters. Quarterback Noah Fifita is back under center, along with two of the team’s top three running backs-Quincy Carter and Kedrick Reescano.
Add in starting offensive linemen Alexander Doost and Tristan Bounds, and Arizona has a strong foundation in place. That kind of stability is gold in today’s portal-heavy landscape.
Still, Brennan and his staff didn’t just sit back. They added depth and competition across the board, especially in the secondary and at wide receiver-two areas that saw a heavy influx of portal talent. Arizona brought in four cornerbacks and three safeties, aiming to bolster a defensive backfield that needed reinforcements.
At wide receiver, the Wildcats brought in a trio of intriguing options: Rodney Gallagher III from West Virginia, D.J. Jordan from USC, and Jordan Ross from Colorado State. All three are expected to push for playing time, with the potential to become key contributors in 2026.
In the backfield, former Marshall running back Antwan Roberts reunites with Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Doege, who coached him during their time together with the Thundering Herd. That familiarity could fast-track Roberts’ impact in the Wildcats’ offense.
As Brennan enters his third season at the helm, fresh off a 9-4 campaign in 2025, the pieces are starting to come together. The portal has given Arizona a chance to upgrade its talent level without sacrificing continuity. Many of the incoming transfers were once four-star high school prospects-players with high ceilings who are looking for the right fit.
And for Arizona, 2026 might just be the year those pieces click into place.