One of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s top defensive players withdrew his name from the transfer portal on Thursday.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 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 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™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.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ defensive back Genesis Smith (12) during a game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
After the Chandler native and Hamilton High School product signed with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in 2023, Smith contributed as a true freshman last season and his first interception as a Wildcat was one of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™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 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s defensive secondary due to so many injuries this season.
Once Stukes went down with a season-ending ACL injury, Smith stepped in as ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™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 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s win over Houston.
Smith is currently one of two returning starters in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™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.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star’s ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
