Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith to return to Wildcats

One of Arizona’s top defensive players withdrew his name from the transfer portal on Thursday.

Arizona sophomore defensive back Genesis Smith is returning to the Wildcats for the 2025 season.

Smith was one of several defensive starters to enter the transfer portal after Arizona’s 4-8 season, including linebacker Jacob Manu, cornerback Tacario Davis, safeties Dalton Johnson and Gunner Maldonado and nickel back Treydan Stukes.

Cornerbacks Emmanuel Karnley, Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine and Demetrius Freeney, who committed to Boise State on Tuesday, also entered the transfer portal.

After the Chandler native and Hamilton High School product signed with Arizona in 2023, Smith contributed as a true freshman last season and his first interception as a Wildcat was one of Arizona’s six takeaways in the Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma.

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As a sophomore, the 6-2, 203-pound Smith tied safety Jack Luttrell for a team-high three interceptions and was third in tackles (63) after starting in three different positions in Arizona’s defensive secondary due to so many injuries this season.

Once Stukes went down with a season-ending ACL injury, Smith stepped in as Arizona’s starting nickel back, with Luttrell at free safety.

Smith was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week after his two-takeaway performance in Arizona’s win over Houston.

Smith is currently one of two returning starters in Arizona’s defensive secondary, along with cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew.

The Wildcats added safety Jshawn Frausto-Ramos (Stanford) and cornerbacks Michael Dansby (San Jose State) and Jay’Vion Cole (Texas) in the transfer portal.