Sixth-Year Senior Commits To Third Different College Football Team With Exact Same Mascot

Gunner Maldonado announced his commitment to his third college football program in six years earlier this week. All three programs have the exact same mascot.

The former three-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2020 is officially the most-tenured Wildcat of all-time.

Maldonado hails from Chandler, Arizona. He originally committed to Northwestern over offers from both in-state schools, South Dakota State, Indiana, Utah State, Memphis and Iowa State.

Northwestern University’s official mascot is the Wildcats. That’s one!

Maldonado ultimately took a redshirt year in 2020 and hit the transfer portal after recording one single tackle in Evanston. The 6-foot-0, 194-pound safety wanted to get back closer to home and committed to play at Arizona. Chandler is about 90 minutes from Tucson.

The University of Arizona’s official mascot is also the Wildcats. That’s two!

Maldonado really came into his own while at Arizona. He recorded 35 tackles in 2021, 47 tackles in 2022 and 79 tackles in 2023 with two forced fumbles and two interceptions. His performance during the Alamo Bowl that year led him to be named as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Unfortunately, Maldonado’s fourth year in his home state came to an early end. A knee injury ended his 2024 season after just four games. Fortunately, the NCAA granted him a medical hardship waiver so he is able to return for year six!

With four seasons at Arizona behind him, Gunner Maldonado hit the transfer portal for a second time earlier this month. He committed to play the last 12 games of his career at Kansas State.