TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona Wildcats star quarterback Khalil Tate will return to the UA for his senior season, ESPN reports, citing a team spokesman.
Multiple publications, citing sources inside the team, have reported that Tate declined to transfer or declare for the NFL draft. Earlier reports said that Tate was leaning toward leaving the program for one of those options.
Tate entered the 2018 season as a favorite to contend for the Heisman Trophy -- landing on a regional Sports Illustrated cover -- but struggled to adjust to new coach Kevin Sumlin's system. The team finished 5-7 and failed to qualify for a bowl game.
The dual-threat quarterback ran for 1,411 yards in 2017 but only 225 yards in 2018. His passing yardage improved significantly though, from 1,591 yards and 14 touchdown strikes in 2017 to 2,530 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
The Wildcats will open the 2019 season Aug. 24 at Hawaii.
