This offseason, Arizona has added over 25 players from the NCAA transfer portal, but just as important has been getting some of their own players who entered the portal to stay with the program. On Saturday, cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew made the decision to withdraw his name from the transfer portal and return to Arizona for the 2025 season. This comes after he had committed to Nebraska on January 9, though he never officially signed with the Cornhuskers.

Groves-Killebrew is the fourth player from Arizona’s 2024 roster to change his mind after entering the portal. He joins fellow defensive backs Dalton Johnson, Genesis Smith, and Treydan Stukes, who also decided to stay with the Wildcats after considering transfers. Together, the four players started a total of 31 games last season, which shows how important their returns are for Arizona’s defense.

Groves-Killebrew, who is a redshirt sophomore, spent some time at Louisville and Texas A&M before transferring to Arizona. During his first season with the Wildcats, he made six starts. He started in both the first three games and the final three games of the 2024 season. Over the course of the season, Groves-Killebrew recorded 26 tackles, one sack, and four pass breakups, showing he can be an important player in Arizona’s secondary.

With Groves-Killebrew returning, Arizona will have 10 scholarship cornerbacks for the 2025 season, seven of whom will be new to the program. The Wildcats have signed three cornerbacks from high school, one from junior college, and added transfers Jay’Vion Cole from Texas, Michael Dansby from San Jose State, and Ayden Garnes from West Virginia. This influx of new talent will give Arizona a lot of depth in the cornerback position as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Groves-Killebrew’s decision to return is a big win for Arizona. Not only does he add experience to the defense, but he also helps to strengthen the team’s depth in a key position. His return shows that Arizona is committed to improving its defense for the 2025 season, and the addition of new players will only make the team stronger. With a solid mix of experienced players and new talent, Arizona will look to make a strong push in the upcoming season.