How Arizona incoming offensive backfield transfers rated as recruits

Arizona has added four transfers to its 2025 football roster: quarterback Braedyn Locke and running backs Quincy Craig, Ismail Mahdi, and Mike Mitchell. Locke is slated to be the primary backup quarterback behind Noah Fifita. Running backs Craig and Mahdi will compete for playing time alongside returnee Kedrick Reescano. Mitchell, however, is expected to miss the entire upcoming season due to a leg injury.

Braedyn Locke began his college career at Mississippi State in 2022, where he redshirted without playing. He then transferred to Wisconsin, playing in 11 games as the primary starter during the 2024 season. Over his two seasons with the Badgers, Locke completed 53.6% of his passes for 2,713 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Ismail Mahdi started his collegiate journey at Houston Christian after going unrated as a high school prospect. In his single season there (2022), he was awarded the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS. Mahdi then transferred to Texas State, where he became a consensus All-American as an all-purpose player. During two seasons with the Bobcats, he accumulated 2,322 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, plus 44 receptions for 470 yards and another score. Mahdi is projected to be Arizona's starting running back in 2025.

The news also included the following player ratings information: