If Arizona can’t replicate its performance in pass defense in 2025, it won’t be for a lack of trying. The Wildcats have clearly made replenishing their secondary a priority, and they added one more player to that group.
UA has secured commitment from former Oregon State cornerback Darren Austinwith two years of eligibility remaining. He was the sixth defensive back acquired from the NCAA transfer portal and the third cornerback.
The 6-foot-1, 199-pound Austin appeared in 30 games for Oregon from 2023-25, including on defense and special teams. He has 23 career tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and had one interception last season.
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Austin was a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, and Arizona State offered him a scholarship in June 2021.
Arizona must replace all five starters from a secondary that is one of the stingiest in the country against the pass. The Wildcats threw for more than 200 yards three times and ended up with 22 interceptions.
Austin joins Tyrese Boss (Wyoming) and Dwight Bootle II (Charlotte) was added as a portal cornerback. Arizona also recently landed a junior college CB commitment Brandon Holmesfour star corner Serge Shearer Is one of the top players signed by the Wildcats in the 2026 recruiting class.
He’s coming to Tucson even though he’s currently being prosecuted for his role in a fatal hit-and-run crash in April 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. The trial is scheduled for 2027.
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Arizona has as many as 21 known commitments from the portal, which will close to new entrants Friday night.