Arizona DL Tiaoalii Savea enters the NCAA Transfer Portal

Arizona defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea has entered the transfer portal. He spent the past two seasons at Arizona after transferring following his debut campaign at UCLA.

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.

Tiaoalii Savea played high school football at Desert Pines (NV), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 263 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

More on Arizona’s transfer situation

Savea is only the latest Arizona player to enter the transfer portal since Jedd Fisch left the program to serve as Washington’s next head coach. Arizona hired former San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan to replace Fisch.

Savea is the 13th Arizona player to enter the transfer portal since Fisch accepted the job at Washington on Jan. 14. At one point on Wednesday, nine players from the program entered the portal in a 30-minute span.

Despite the setbacks, Brennan is confident he can help Arizona find success.

“I am so blessed and excited to come back to the University of Arizona,” Brennan said. “This incredible university is special to my family and I as it’s where I started as a coach as part Coach Tomey’s legacy. I can’t wait to meet the players, families, fans, alumni and supporters and build on the success the players and staff have started.”

He isn’t the only one hopeful for the new era of Arizona football.

“I am incredibly excited to announce Brent Brennan as the next Head Football Coach at the University of Arizona,” said Arizona vice president and director of athletics Dave Heeke. “Brent is an exceptional leader with a background of championship success on the field, on the recruiting trail, and as leader in the community.

“With strong connections to the Tucson community and an appreciation for the rich legacy of our program under legendary Head Coach Dick Tomey, Brent’s vision to continue the upward trajectory of Arizona Football is rooted in the historical excellence of the program.”

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

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.