Arizona lands ball‑hawking safety Cam Chapa from Northern Colorado

Cam Chapa, a two-year starter from Northern Colorado, committed to Arizona on Jan. 10, 2026, a move that boosts the Wildcats' defensive backfield with proven production and experience. Chapa arrives with 23 career games under his belt and two years of eligibility remaining, positioning him to help fill a notable need after recent defensive departures.

Chapa broke onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, posting 83 tackles and earning FCS Freshman All-American honors. He took another step forward in 2025, compiling 88 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery while earning First Team All‑Big Sky recognition. Those numbers mark him as a turnover-minded safety who consistently stays around the ball and can be counted on in high-leverage situations.

For Arizona, the acquisition fits the program’s ongoing portal strategy to add experienced contributors who can plug into the rotation quickly. With two seasons of eligibility left, Chapa gives the Wildcats an immediate option in the backend who has seen game action and created takeaways against FCS competition. His tackle totals suggest reliability in run support and open-field tackling, while his interception and forced-fumble figures show an aptitude for changing possession.

The practical impact is straightforward for Arizona fans and FCS followers tracking roster construction: Chapa's presence shortens the timeline for defensive improvements. He is not a developmental redshirt prospect; he is a player with significant game reps and accolades who can compete for a starting job in spring practices and contend for snaps on early-season gamedays. That depth matters in a conference and division where secondary turnover and nickel packages demand versatile, experienced players.

For Northern Colorado, Chapa’s departure is a reminder of the portal’s reach and the program’s role in developing NFL-eligible talent and high-level FCS performers. For prospective recruits and teammates, it underscores both opportunity and challenge—opportunity to step into a prominent role, and the challenge of replacing a productive ball-winner.

What comes next is evaluation and integration. Watch Arizona’s spring practices and spring game to see how quickly Chapa adapts to the Wildcats’ scheme, and how the coaching staff deploys his ball-hawking skills. For fans, this commitment signals a tangible upgrade in personnel now, and the start of a two-year window to see how a high-output FCS safety translates to Pac-12 competition.