Gunner Maldonado began his career as a Northwestern Wildcat. He made his mark as an Arizona Wildcat. And now, he will finish his career as a Wildcat, but not in Tucson. Gunner Maldonado will transfer to Kansas State, per Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports and 247Sports on Monday.
After a year in Evanston, the Chandler, AZ native spent four seasons in Tucson. During that time, 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.
Maldonado will have one year of eligibility remaining after suffering a season-ending leg injury in Arizona’s Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech. He appeared in just four games for the Wildcats during their 2024 campaign.
He is the third defensive starter and second defensive captain to find a new home during the offseason, after linebacker Jacob Manu and defensive lineman Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei announced they are reuniting with former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch at Washington. Other defensive back starters Genesis Smith and Dalton are returning to Tucson after previously entering the transfer portal.
Even with Gunner Maldonado set to transfer to Kansas State, that doesn’t mean he’s played his final game at Arizona Stadium. The K-State Wildcats will travel to Tucson for a non-conference home-and-home series in 2025.