The Arizona Wildcats finished the season 3rd in the Pac-12 with a 7-2 record in conference games and a 10-3 record overall.
Their offense performed well. They ranked 18th in points per game with 34.6, 85th in rushing yards per game with 139.7, and 20th in total yards per game with 448.
Arizona added an elite running back from the transfer portal
The Arizona Wildcats added an elite running back from the transfer portal.
Last week, Jacory Croskey-Merritt announced on X that he had transferred to Arizona.
COMMITTED ❤️🐻⬇️ @ArizonaFBall @CoachBrennan @RealCoachCarter @_camlemons pic.twitter.com/Wh9lUVID2X
— Jacory Merritt (@JacoryMerritt15) February 6, 2024
Here’s a quick review of his collegiate career.
He started his collegiate career at Alabama State.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt committed to the Alabama State Hornets for the 2019 season.
Croskey-Merritt appeared in four games in 2019 and had 186 yards on 72 attempts and two touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 98 yards.
He appeared in five games in 2020 and had 164 yards on 43 attempts and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 21 yards.
He appeared in 11 games in 2021 and had 433 yards on 121 attempts and five touchdowns. He also had ten receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown.
He appeared in 11 games in 2022 and had 470 yards on 120 attempts and four touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 167 yards.
He entered the transfer portal after the conclusion of the 2022 season.
He transferred to New Mexico in 2023.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt transferred to the New Mexico Lobos for the 2023 season.
He appeared in 12 games and had 1,190 yards on 189 attempts and 17 touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown. He finished 35th rushing attempts, 23rd in rushing yards, and 5th in rushing touchdowns.
He was named Second Team All-Mountain-West.
He entered the transfer portal on January 25.
Why does this move matter?
Croskey-Merritt transferring to Arizona matters because their top running backs departed. Leading rusher Jonah Coleman transferred to Washington to join former Wildcats head coach Jedd Fisch, and Michael Wiley declared for the draft.
Croskey-Merritt will join a loaded running back tandem led by San Jose State transfer Quali Conley, junior Rayshon Luke, and redshirt freshman Brandon Coleman.
How will Arizona do in a new conference?
The Arizona Wildcats are one of four teams joining the Big 12 conference, as they are expanding to 16 teams. Other added teams include the Arizona State Sun Devils, the Colorado Buffaloes, and the Utah Utes.
How will Arizona perform in the Big 12 next year?