While it hasn’t been the mass exodus that some expected for Arizona after a 4-8 season, another Wildcat has announced their intentions to look for a new home next season. On Saturday, tight end Keyan Burnett announced via social media he plans to enter the transfer portal.
Burnett, the 6-foot-6, 248-pound tight end, appeared in 30 during games during his three seasons at Arizona. During that span, Burnett hauled in 24 receptions for 261 yards and a touchdown. This season was his most productive by far in a Wildcat uniform, bringing in 18 receptions for 217 yards, including five receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s 23-10 win at No. 10 Utah.
Burnett was never able to carve out a consistent role on the offense during his three seasons in Tucson. After spending two seasons behind Arizona’s tight end receptions leader and Cincinnati Bengals sixth round draft pick, Tanner McLachlan, Burnett figured to emerge as the Wildcats’ go to option at tight end this season. That didn’t materialize after splitting time with San José State transfer Sam Olson and battling injuries throughout the 2024 season.
The Wildcats will now return just 50 percent of the Servite High School quartet from the 2022 recruiting class, with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan likely off to the NFL, and Burnett, a former 4-star recruit, set to hit the portal.
Keyan Burnett is the ninth know member of Arizona’s roster preparing to enter the transfer portal, joining quarterback Brayden Dorman, tight end Dorian Thomas, defensive lineman Bryce Echols, wide receiver AJ Jones, running backs Rayshon “Speedy” Luke and Brandon Johnson, and offensive linemen JT Hand and Wendell Moe Jr.
The transfer portal officially opens on Monday, December 9.