Arizona Football Recruiting Faces Shifts as Two Signees Back Out
Arizona’s 2025 recruiting class is undergoing adjustments as the program navigates recent departures, while bolstering its running back corps.
The University of Arizona football program,despite signing over 20 high school and junior college players in December,is experiencing some turbulence within its 2025 recruiting class. Two players who previously committed too the Wildcats have as withdrawn their pledges, raising questions about the stability of the incoming class.
The most recent advancement involves Brandon Smith,a highly productive running back from Central East High School. The 6-foot,185-pound Smith initially committed to Arizona in June,after considering san Diego state,and signed his National Letter of Intent in December. He capped off a stellar senior season with impressive statistics, rushing for 1,790 yards and 27 touchdowns, and adding five receiving scores. However, Smith will no longer be joining the Wildcats.
Smith’s decision marks the second decommitment from arizona’s 2025 class. Last month, 3-star safety Griffin Tillis from Texas also opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere. These departures, while not derailing the entire class, highlight the competitive nature of college football recruiting and the challenges of maintaining commitments.
Running Back Depth Chart Taking Shape
Despite the recruiting setbacks, Arizona is actively addressing its needs on the field. The Wildcats currently have six running backs projected for the 2026 season. This group is anchored by returning players Quincy Craig and Kedrick Reescano,alongside underclassmen cornelius Warren and Wesley Yarbrough.
To further strengthen the position, Arizona has added Antwan roberts, a transfer from Marshall University, through the transfer portal. Roberts’ addition provides immediate experience and competition to the running back room.
the Wildcats’ coaching staff is focused on building a competitive roster through a combination of high school recruiting, junior college additions, and strategic transfers. While the recent decommitments present a challenge, the program remains committed to assembling a strong and impactful class for the future.
Why did this happen? Brandon Smith, a highly-rated running back, and Griffin Tillis, a three-star safety, both decommitted from Arizona’s 2025 recruiting class.Smith’s decision came after a successful senior season where he rushed for 1,790 yards and 27 touchdowns.Tillis decommitted last month. the reasons for their departures haven’t been officially disclosed,but decommitments often stem from evaluating other opportunities or changes in program dynamics.
Who is affected? The decommitments impact Arizona’s depth at running back and safety.While the Wildcats signed over 20 players in December, losing two committed athletes requires adjustments to their recruiting strategy. the running back room, however, is being bolstered by the addition of transfer Antwan Roberts from Marshall University.
What is the current situation? Arizona currently has six running backs projected for the 2026 season, including returning players Quincy Craig and Kedrick Reescano, underclassmen Cornelius Warren and Wesley Yarbrough, and new transfer Antwan Roberts. The coaching staff is focused on a multi-pronged approach to roster building, utilizing high school recruiting, junior college additions, and the transfer portal.
how did it end? Both Smith and Tillis have withdrawn their commitments and will not be joining the Arizona Wildcats. The program is actively working to fill the gaps left by their departures through continued recruiting efforts and leveraging the transfer portal. The Wildcats remain focused
