After a busy end to December, the New Year has started off relatively slow for the Arizona Wildcats. Things appear to be heating back up, as Brent Brennan and Co. have their first commitment of 2025. On Monday, former West Virginia cornerback Ayden Garnes committed to Arizona.
The 6-foot-0, 175-pound Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native joins the Wildcats after taking an official visit to Tucson last weekend. Garnes appeared in six games before suffering a season-ending injury in the Mountaineers’ game against Iowa State. In those six games, Garnes tallied 25 tackles, including one tackle-for-loss, one QB hurry, and one pass breakup. His best performance came in the Backyard Brawl at Pittsburgh, where he finished with eight tackles.
Prior to his lone season at West Virginia, Garnes began his career at Duquesne. He appeared in 22 games during two season, racking up 84 tackles, seven TFL, and a sack. He also had four interceptions, 17 pass deflections, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick. Garnes was also a captain, earned First-Team All-NEC honors, and finished with an 87.4 defensive grade from PFF during the 2023 season.
With Tacario Davis, Marquis Groves-Killebrew, and Emmanuel Karnley not returning to Tucson for the 2025 season, Garnes could be a Day 1 started for Duane Akina and the secondary staff. With Ayden Garnes committed to Arizona, the Wildcats now have 19 additions through the transfer portal. Eight of them have come on the defensive side of the ball, including four in the secondary.