Losing three defensive captains to season-ending injuries during the 2024 season was hard enough on Arizona’s defense. As of Tuesday, the outlook on the 2025 season isn’t much better, after at least two of those leaders are heading to the portal. On Tuesday, safety Gunner Maldonado entered the transfer portal, becoming the third defensive starter to do so.
Maldonado will have one year of eligibility remaining after suffering a season-ending leg injury in the Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech. He appeared in just four games for the Wildcats during their 2024 campaign.
The Chandler, AZ native began his career at Northwestern before transferring to Arizona ahead of the 2021 season. During his four-year career in Tucson, Maldonado appeared in 38 games, recording 175 tackles, four interceptions, eight PBU, six forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Maldonado was also the 2023 Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP following his 87-yard scoop-and-score in Arizona’s 38-24 win over the Oklahoma Sooners last December, arguably one of the greatest plays in program history.
Gunner Maldonado is the second defensive captain and third defensive starter to enter the transfer portal, joining linebacker Jacob Manu and defensive lineman Ta’ita’i Uiagaleli, respectively. Like Manu, Maldonado could return to Tucson based on the timeline of his recovery of his surgery and how quickly he could return to the field.
Maldonado is the 10th defender and 23rd-overall Arizona player to enter the transfer portal since it opened on Monday, December 9.