In a move that has sparked widespread conversation across the college football landscape, Keona Peat, the brother of highly-touted Arizona State basketball star Koa Peat, has officially transferred from Arizona State University (ASU) to join their in-state rival, the University of Arizona (UA) Wildcats football team. The decision marks a bold and somewhat unexpected shift within Arizona’s college sports scene, with implications for both programs and the Peat family’s athletic legacy.
Keona Peat, a promising defensive lineman, initially committed to Arizona State with hopes of carving out his own name within the Sun Devils’ football program. Coming from a renowned athletic family—his older brother Andrus Peat is an NFL offensive lineman and a former first-round pick—the expectations surrounding Keona were naturally high. While his tenure at ASU had moments of promise, he never quite broke into the spotlight, often seeing limited playing time due to depth chart competition and minor injuries.
His transfer to Arizona’s football program is not just a geographical switch—it’s a symbolic one. ASU and UA have one of the fiercest rivalries in the Pac-12, most notably in their annual Territorial Cup game. For an athlete to switch sides in this battle is rare and often controversial. Fans on both sides are reacting strongly, with Sun Devil supporters voicing frustration over losing a young talent to a traditional enemy, while Wildcats fans are celebrating what they see as a valuable addition to their defensive roster.
The decision to transfer appears to be rooted in a combination of seeking more playing time and a better fit within a different defensive scheme. UA’s coaching staff has shown a strong interest in developing Keona’s potential and may offer a more immediate opportunity for him to contribute significantly. With the Wildcats looking to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season, Keona’s addition could prove timely.
Meanwhile, this development brings even more attention to Koa Peat, Keona’s younger brother and one of the most sought-after basketball recruits in the country. Koa, a standout forward at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, recently committed to Arizona State, making headlines of his own. His decision to join ASU was seen as a major win for the Sun Devils basketball program. With one Peat brother joining the Sun Devils and the other switching to their biggest rival, the family now finds itself uniquely divided in one of the most intense rivalries in college sports.
This transfer underscores how fluid the college sports landscape has become, particularly with the rise of the NCAA transfer portal. Players now have more freedom to seek the right environment for their development and career aspirations, even if it means crossing traditional boundaries.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Keona Peat and his performance with the Wildcats. His journey from Tempe to Tucson will not only impact the rivalry on the field but also add a compelling family twist to Arizona’s sports narrative.
