Despite rumors of a transfer and a flirtation with the NFL draft, quarterback Khalil Tate is set to return to Arizona for his senior season.

Tate and his parents spoke with Wildcats coach Kevin Sumlin on Tuesday. They collectively concluded that Tate’s best move would be to return in 2019 and work to improve his game.

Tate passed for 2,530 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this past season. He rushed for only 224 yards, down from 1,411 in 2017, as he struggled to play through a sprained left ankle.

Tate began the season on the short list of Heisman Trophy candidates but quickly fell out of the race amid a slow start. He rallied late in the year, and his yardage and TD totals were career highs.

Arizona sought an NFL draft evaluation for Tate from the league’s College Advisory Committee. The three possible outcomes are potential first-round pick, potential second-round pick or neither, which is a recommendation to stay in school. The committee advised Tate to remain at Arizona.

Tate is an incredibly gifted athlete who can throw the ball 70-plus yards and outrun the fastest defensive backs when healthy. He’s also young for his class, having turned 20 in late October.

Tate’s return gives him another year to work with offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, who altered his scheme during the season in an attempt to take advantage of Tate’s skills. It also will enable Arizona to take its time with young quarterbacks Kevin Doyle, Jamarye Joiner and Grant Gunnell, who’s set to arrive in Tucson in January.

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Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at 573-4148 or mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter @michaeljlev