Five key players—tight end Sam Olson, quarterback Anthony Garcia, offensive tackle Ryan Stewart, edge rusher Tre Smith, and running back Quali Conley—followed head coach Brent Brennan from San Jose State to Arizona. These former Spartans, now Wildcats, are expected to contribute at varying levels in the 2024 season.
At tight end, Olson will compete for snaps alongside Keyan Burnett and Robert Miranda. Olson had a strong 2023 season at San Jose State, setting career highs with 22 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Initially a two-star recruit, Olson was upgraded to a three-star rating as a transfer.
Garcia is currently positioned as the fifth-string quarterback on Arizona’s depth chart. Signed by Brennan as the 1,600th prospect and 99th QB in the 2022 class, Garcia is likely a long-term developmental player, providing depth for Arizona now and in the future.
Stewart has been receiving first-team snaps at right guard during most of training camp, filling in after Leif Magnuson’s injury, according to Jason Scheer of Wildcat Authority. However, Stewart is recovering from his own injury issues, which limited him to just three starts at San Jose State in 2022.
Smith was a standout at San Jose State, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2023 with 66 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His top performances included a 13-tackle game against Air Force and a 1.5-sack game against USC.
Conley is expected to have the most significant impact among the San Jose State transfers. After transferring from Utah Tech in 2023, he became the second-leading rusher at San Jose State, accumulating 842 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and 269 receiving yards. In 2024, he is expected to share carries with New Mexico transfer Jacory Croskey-Merritt, forming an elite running back duo for Arizona.
Overall, Arizona’s 26 transfer additions, including these former Spartans, are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success in 2024 as Brennan and his staff work to balance the roster following the departure of an equal number of players to the transfer portal.
