Arizona’s top priority this offseason is addressing its offensive line, as the Wildcats need to replace three starters, including one who may be drafted in the first round. Many of the returning linemen had a tough season in 2024.
The Wildcats took an important step on Friday to strengthen their O-line by securing commitments from two transfers, both from power conference schools. Arizona has added offensive tackle Ty Buchanan from Texas Tech and Jordan Brown from Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Ty Buchanan started eight games for Texas Tech in 2024 and has appeared in 25 games with 10 starts over three seasons with the Red Raiders. He has one year of eligibility remaining, having redshirted at USC in 2021. In 2024, Buchanan allowed just one sack and 15 pressures on 385 pass plays, compared to Arizona’s offensive tackles, who allowed 14 sacks that season.
Jordan Brown, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, joins Arizona after stints at Georgia Tech and Charlotte, bringing one year of eligibility. At Georgia Tech, he started the first five games of the 2024 season without allowing a sack, though a poor performance against Louisville led to his benching. Brown is originally from Long Beach, California, and the spread offense at Charlotte, where he started his career, mirrors the system Arizona is expected to use in 2025.
These two offensive line transfers are the latest additions from the NCAA transfer portal, bringing Arizona’s total to eight pickups. Buchanan and Brown are the third and fourth offensive acquisitions, respectively, and fill critical needs as Arizona works to replace center Josh Baker (graduated), tackle Jonah Savaiinaea (NFL Draft), and guard Wendell Moe Jr. (transferred to Tennessee).
Burnett announces transfer to Big 12 foe
Keyan Burnett, once a highly regarded recruit in Arizona’s standout 2022 class, has announced he will transfer to Kansas for his final year of college football. Burnett, who joined the Wildcats alongside three teammates from Servite High School, struggled to realize his potential as a big, pass-catching tight end, while the others found success at Arizona.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Burnett appeared in 32 games from 2022 to 2024, with eight starts, including three of the first four games in 2024. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 217 yards and one touchdown, bringing his career total to 24 catches.
At Kansas, where all three of their tight ends from 2024 have graduated, Burnett will have the opportunity to start immediately. The Jayhawks are scheduled to play at Arizona Stadium in 2025, providing Burnett with the chance to face his former team.
Leave a Reply