Former Arizona junior running back Rayshon “Speedy” Luke transferred to Fresno State, he announced on social media Sunday morning.
Luke committed to the Bulldogs over UCLA, USC, Sacramento State and Miami (Ohio).
Last month, Fresno State hired former North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz, who was most recently a linebackers coach at USC in 2024.
The 5-9, 172-pound Luke, a former four-star prospect from St. John Bosco High School in Southern California, signed with the Wildcats’ loaded 2022 recruiting class, which also included wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, quarterback Noah Fifita, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, linebacker Jacob Manu and cornerback Tacario Davis, among others.
After playing behind Michael Wiley, Jonah Coleman and DJ Williams for his first two seasons, Luke was expected to have an elevated role for the Wildcats this season, but was rarely used. In four games this past season at Arizona, Luke had 10 touches for 65 yards.
Arizona running back Rayshon Luke (21) turns the corner on UCLA defensive back Jaylin Davies (24) and heads to the red zone before finally being brought down in the fourth quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium on Nov. 4, 2023.
After Arizona’s Big 12-opening win over 10th-ranked Utah in September, Luke opted to redshirt and contribute as a scout-team running back.
In three seasons at Arizona, Luke had 56 carries for 271 yards and a touchdown, a 40-yard run in the Wildcats’ win over Washington State last season in Pullman. As a receiver, Luke has 11 catches for 148 yards in his UA career.
With senior Quali Conley graduating and Luke and redshirt freshman Brandon Johnson departing via the transfer portal, Arizona’s scholarship running backs are redshirt freshmen Kedrick Reescano and incoming transfers Ismail Mahdi (Texas State) and Mike Mitchell (Utah). Arizona also has walk-on fullback and former Canyon del Oro standout Kayden Luke (no relation).
The Wildcats are also planning to sign three-star 2025 Houston-area running back Wesley Yarbrough, who had 458 rushes for 2,767 yards and 32 touchdowns in three seasons at Crosby High School.
As a redshirt freshman last season, the 6-foot, 216-pound Mitchell for had 47 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown for the Utes.
The 5-9, 180-pound Mahdi led FBS in all-purpose yards (2,169) in 2023 and was a two-time All-Sun Belt First-Team member in the last two seasons. Mahdi was named a first-team All-American by CBS Sports and 247Sports in 2023.
In two seasons at Texas State, Mahdi had 406 rush attempts for 2,322 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 31 kick returns for 760 yards and a touchdown. Mahdi’s career-high is 216 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries against Nevada in 2023. Mahdi had four performances with over 100 yards in 2024, including his 147-yard outing against South Alabama to end the season.
Twenty-nine scholarship players from Arizona have left the program since the season ended. Excluding walk-ons, the Wildcats will have at least 40 new players in 2025.
