Losing all three captains to season-ending injuries decimated Arizona’s defense during in 2024. And now it looks like at least two of those defensive leaders won’t be back for 2025.
Safety Gunner Maldonado has entered the NCAA transfer portal, bringing with him one year of eligibility after he was limited to four games this past season.
Maldonado started 31 games for Arizona since joining the program in 2021 from Northwestern, appearing in 37 games overall. This season he had 11 tackles and an interception before suffering a knee injury Oct. 5 against Texas Tech that required surgery
In his UA career Maldonado had 175 tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries, most notably his 87-yard scoop and score against Oklahoma in the 2023 Alamo Bowl.
Maldonado joins linebacker Jacob Manu as defensive captains who have entered the portal. And like Manu he’ll be going on the market while coming off a major injury that is likely to impact his availability for spring practice if not longer.
He is also the sixth Wildcat who started at least four games in 2024 to enter the portal. Overall the UA’s outgoing transfer count is at 24 with the portal open until Dec. 28.