Arizona has had a number of key players on defense enter the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Now, one of the Wildcats’ best defenders from a season ago has decided to return to the Old Pueblo for another season. Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith is returning to Tucson for the 2025 season, Hayes Fawcett of On3 announced on Wednesday.
After breaking on to the scene during the 2023 Alamo Bowl with his first career interception, Smith was a standout on defense this past season for the Wildcats. In 12 games, he recorded 63 tackles, including 3.5 TFL, as well as three interceptions, nine PBU, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Smith also earned Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after finishing with seven tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery in Arizona’s 27-3 win over Houston.
The news of Genesis Smith returning to Arizona comes a day after Wildcats’ quarterback Noah Fifita announced that he’ll be back for the 2025 season. Brent Brennan and Co. have now retained Arizona’s top playmakers on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
With Smith and Fifita electing to return to Tucson for the 2025 season, it could inspire some other players who previously elected to enter the transfer portal remain at Arizona.