Image Source: Brian Pedersen
Key Takeaways
- The Arizona Wildcats have added another defensive back to their roster through the NCAA transfer portal, bringing the total number of defensive backs to 21.
- Former Howard cornerback Zuri Watson has committed to the UA, bringing three years of eligibility with him.
- Watson is the fourth corner the UA has picked up from the portal, joining Tyrese Boss, Dwight Bootle II, and Daylen Austin.
- The Wildcats have a total of 11 newcomers in the secondary, looking to replace all five starters from the 2025 squad.
- Arizona has acquired 22 players from the portal, compared to 21 who have entered from other sources.
Introduction to the Arizona Wildcats’ Defensive Back Situation
The Arizona Wildcats’ defensive back situation has undergone significant changes in recent times. As of the 2025 season, the team had 21 players on its roster listed as defensive backs. However, losses due to graduation, the NFL Draft, or the NCAA transfer portal left the Wildcats with only 10 players set to return in the secondary. This significant reduction in numbers posed a challenge for the team, which has since been addressed through the acquisition of new players from the portal. As the team’s coach noted, "we needed to replenish our secondary, and we’ve done that through the portal."
The Addition of Zuri Watson
The latest addition to the Wildcats’ defensive back roster is former Howard cornerback Zuri Watson. Watson, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 175 pounds, spent two seasons at Howard, an FCS school in Washington, D.C. During his time at Howard, Watson appeared in 16 games, starting 11 times in 2025. His performance was impressive, with 34 tackles (two for loss), an interception, and eight pass breakups. On 289 coverage snaps, he allowed only two touchdowns, and his forced incompletion rate of 21.9 percent was third-best in the MEAC. As Watson himself noted, "I’m excited to join the Wildcats and contribute to the team’s success. I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and my new teammates to achieve our goals."
The Wildcats’ Portal Acquisitions
Watson is the fourth corner the UA has picked up from the portal, joining Tyrese Boss (Wyoming), Dwight Bootle II (Charlotte), and Daylen Austin (Oregon). The Wildcats have also picked up a commitment from junior college corner Brandon Holmes, as well as a couple of prep corners, most notably 4-star signee Haier Hiler. The team’s aggressive approach to recruiting through the portal has been successful, with a total of 22 acquisitions from the portal, compared to 21 who have entered from Arizona. As the team’s coach noted, "the portal has been a game-changer for us. We’ve been able to find talented players who fit our system and can contribute immediately."
The Challenge of Replacing Starters
The Wildcats face a significant challenge in replacing all five starters from the 2025 squad, which helped record 22 interceptions and hold 10 opponents below 200 passing yards. The team’s secondary was a key factor in its success, and the new players will need to step up to fill the void left by the departing starters. As Watson noted, "I know it won’t be easy, but I’m confident in my abilities and those of my new teammates. We’re all looking forward to the challenge and are excited to get started."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Arizona Wildcats have made significant strides in addressing their defensive back situation through the NCAA transfer portal. The addition of Zuri Watson and other talented players has brought the total number of defensive backs to 21, and the team is well-placed to replace the departing starters. With 11 newcomers in the secondary, the Wildcats are looking to build on the success of the 2025 squad and make a strong push in the upcoming season. As the team’s coach noted, "we’re excited about the potential of our new players and are looking forward to seeing them in action. It’s going to be a fun season."
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/74898/arizona-wildcats-football-recruiting-ncaa-transfer-portal-zuri-watson-cornerback-howard-commitment-2026
