Maricopa High grad Jacob Cowing to return to UofA football team in ’23

Jacob Cowing, a Maricopa High product, who was regarded among the best players in the 2022 NCAA football transfer portal, announced that he will not turn pro and plans to return to the University of Arizona for his final college season in 2023.

Cowing, who came to the Wildcats via the portal from Texas-El Paso, became the Pac-12 receiving leader with 85 catches, which ranks third on the school’s all-time single-season list behind Bobby Wade and Dennis Northcutt.

“Ever since I was young, I dreamed about playing the game I love professionally,” Cowing said in a video on his social-media accounts. “After careful consideration and talking with my family and loved ones, I have decided that one year is not enough. Wildcat Nation, we still have business to take care of.”

Cowing was a key player as Arizona’s high-powered offense lifted the team to a four-win improvement from 2021, including victories over then-top-10 UCLA and the rivalry game against Arizona State. His receptions covered 1,034 yards and seven touchdowns.

Cowing played at UTEP for three seasons, where he caught 141 passes for 2,595 yards and 13 touchdowns, before making the decision to transfer to Arizona this year.