How Transfer Cam Chapa Elevates Arizona's Safety Room

Chapa brings a wealth of experience to the Wildcats' secondary and has a solid chance at starting this season.

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of Arizona Wildcats helmets before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL Draft was a wildly successful one, with four Arizona Wildcats drafted, all in the secondary. Those four Wildcats made up a secondary unit that finished seventh as a passing defense and first in passing efficiency.

Dalton Johnson, Genesis Smith, and Treydan Stukes all make up a safety group that was relentless against the run and resembled a wet blanket in the pass. While their presence will be heavily missed, Arizona is not without a handful of safeties who are more than capable of continuing the legacy the ladder has left behind.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) celebrates with Ayden Garnes (9), Dalton Johnson (43) and Genesis Smith (12) after an interception against Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cam Chapa, in particular, brings a plethora of skills to the Wildcats' safety room that could very much propel him into a starting role. A transfer out of Northern Colorado, Chapa was a phenomenal safety for the Bears and has left his mark after opting to hit the transfer portal.

Before transferring, Chapa led the Big Sky in tackles with 68, earned First Team All-Big Sky honors, and was the second Bear to have back-to-back seasons with four interceptions. His skill set matches the identity that defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales wants for his unit: a group of players who can stop the run and drop back into coverage.

Chapa Brings Experience to a Depleted Room

Let’s get to work 🐻⬇️ @CamChapa_ pic.twitter.com/fYMKdtIYK1

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) January 12, 2026

Before Chapa made the move to Arizona, he spent two full seasons at Northern Colorado and started 23 games, including 11 during his sophomore season. While he did play in the FCS for his first two seasons, he does have experience against FBS opponents, both of which came against Colorado State.

Experience is something Arizona needs to lean on after losing its three best defensive players, and Chapa brings a lot of it. Chapa logged a total of 1,495 snaps with the Bears. While Arizona's "Big three" logged a solid 6,700 snaps collectively. If finding experience through the portal was a goal for Arizona, it hit a home run in the signing of Chapa.

Chapa a Downhill Tackler

Officially in the NCAA transfer portal! pic.twitter.com/i5IsJlODJ2

— Cam Chapa (@CamChapa_) January 2, 2026

The role of safety is to drop down into coverage and be the last line of defense in the passing game. Chapa brings much more than that. Throughout two seasons, Chapa totaled 171 total tackles, four for a loss, and two forced fumbles. Chapa's high rate of tackles shows that he can both drop into coverage and play the run at a high level.

A Turnover Machine

Northern Colorado Safety Cam Chapa plans to enter the transfer portal.

First Team All-Big Sky @CamChapa_ 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UjSyJOCEQO

— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) December 3, 2025

Besides Chapa's high rate of tackling, he also brings a highly skilled level of ball-hawking. Chapa is just the second Bear to record back-to-back seasons where he had four interceptions. He also had 12 pass deflections through two seasons.

Chapa was limited for spring practice, but should be back to 100% by the time summer sessions begin. By then, Chapa will be able to display the elite-level skillset that has earned him so many accolades while at Northern Colorado.