Before WKU: Arends makes his way to WKU after starting his career at Arizona State, where he appeared in 15 games over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He appeared in one game with the Sun Devils in his final season with the program. He appeared in all 14 games, primarily on special teams, during the 2024 season. He recorded 130 snaps on special teams and saw the field on offense in several games. He redshirted in 2023 during his first season with the program.
HS/Misc.: Arends prepped at Pinnacle High School in Arizona, where he was a two-way player on the football field. He finished his senior season with 25 receptions for 331 yards and five touchdowns. He also played baseball at Pinnacle and posted a .321 batting average over 49 varsity games with 41 RBIs and nine homers.
