Former Arizona DL Tiaoalii Savea commits to Texas

Former Arizona defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea committed to Texas, according to an announcement from the program. He is now officially signed with the program.

Savea entered the transfer portal earlier this month. He is now on his third school after starting his career at UCLA.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Savea was a four-star recruit out of Las Vegas (Nev.) Desert Pines, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 27 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 263 overall prospect in the class.

Savea entered the transfer portal on Friday. He is one of several Wildcats to make the decision after coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington. Per NCAA rules, Arizona players are granted a 30-day window to enter the portal following a coaching change.

In two years with the Wildcats, Savea made 19 appearances. He played in 12 of Arizona’s games this season, tallying 22 tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In his first season at Arizona, Savea recorded 14 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.

The blocked field goal attempt helped Arizona upset No. 9 UCLA 34-28 at The Rose Bowl. In his lone season at UCLA, Savea saw action in 10 games, finishing the season with seven total tackles.

Texas has seen double the players transfer out (15) compared to transfer in (7) so far this offseason. However, it’s been a net positive for the Longhorns, who rank No. 14 overall and No. 4 in the SEC according to On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings.

Five of the seven transfer players that Texas has brought in rank among the top 50 in On3’s Transfer Portal Player Rankings. That includes former Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond, who comes in at No. 6 overall and No. 2 at his position. Bond was the Crimson Tide’s second-leading receiver this past season with 48 catches for 668 yards and four touchdowns.

The Longhorns are coming off of a 12-2 finish and appearance in the College Football Playoff this past season. They are set to join the SEC next season, so beefing up the roster through the transfer portal appears to be a top priority for coach Steve Sarkisian.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.