Devin Dunn Finds Scholarship Success at Montana

The former walk-on earns a scholarship and starting role for the Montana Grizzlies following his transfer.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration of a college football player in a maroon uniform making a defensive tackle. — Safety Devin Dunn earned a scholarship and starting role for the Montana Grizzlies following his transfer from the Arizona Wildcats. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should college sports teams be required to prioritize scholarship opportunities for long-term walk-on players?

Safety Devin Dunn earned his first college football scholarship after transferring to the University of Montana in the 2026 offseason. He has appeared in eight games this season and made his first career start on Oct. 3, 2026.

Why it matters

Dunn moved to Missoula to pursue increased playing time after spending four seasons as a walk-on for the Arizona Wildcats. His transition follows a significant defensive coaching and scheme overhaul at Montana.

Dunn has recorded 38 tackles and one tackle for loss across eight appearances during the 2026 season. This performance follows a high school varsity career where he totaled 127 tackles.

The players

Devin Dunn

He is a safety for the Montana Grizzlies currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

Montana Grizzlies

This is the football team representing the University of Montana that underwent a defensive coaching and scheme overhaul.

Arizona Wildcats

This is the collegiate football program where Dunn played for four seasons as a walk-on.

The details

After playing 15 games over four years at Arizona, Dunn entered the transfer portal to secure a more consistent role on the field. He is currently enrolled in a Master of Business Administration program while competing for the Grizzlies.

Dunn played in the season opener at Arizona during the 2024 season.
He appeared in 13 games for Arizona during the 2025 season.
Dunn recorded his first career college football start on Oct. 3, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Dunn's move follows the NCAA transfer portal expansion, illustrating how student-athletes leverage increased mobility to secure playing time and scholarships at new programs. His integration into the Montana defense has directly impacted the team's ability to maintain a consistent rotation in the secondary.

Dunn's promotion to a starting safety role cements his position as a core member of the Montana defensive secondary for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. His transition provides depth to the roster and alters the team's defensive rotation strategy compared to previous seasons.

The takeaway

Dunn represents the growing trend of veteran athletes moving to new programs to realize their potential after years of reserve service. His story emphasizes that persistence and strategic transfers can lead to significant academic and athletic breakthroughs.