Jedd Fisch releases statement on Jayden de Laura's decision to enter transfer portal

Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch has released a statement on quarterback Jayden de Laura’s decision to enter the transfer portal. de Laura announced his intention to transfer on Monday after two years with the Wildcats.

de Laura was one of the first big-name for commits for Fisch after he took over at Arizona. After starting his career at Washington State, de Laura entered the portal in 2022 and became a huge part of Arizona’s turnaround from 1-11 in 2021 to 9-3 in 2023. Fisch expressed his gratitude for that decision to commit to Arizona.

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

“It has been a tremendous two years with Jayden de Laura as a part of the University of Arizona football team,” Fisch said. “He has been an outstanding student-athlete, on and off the field, who has positively impacted the trajectory of our team’s growth and success. His exemplary leadership, while facing tough adversity, is evidence of his strong character and selfless commitment to his teammates, coaches, family and the Wildcat community.

“Thank you, Jayden, for believing in this program, and me as your coach, when we were 1-11. You are an elite and selfless teammate who has left your mark on our fields and hearts. Amber, the girls and I, along with our entire team, know that you are destined for greatness in your life and we will always consider you Wildcat family.”

de Laura came in as the No. 13-ranked quarterback from the 2022 portal cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He appeared in seven games this past year for Arizona as the Wildcats threw a couple looks at quarterback, completing 69.5% of his passes for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns while splitting time with Fifita toward the end of the year. In 2022, following his transfer from Washington State, de Laura threw for 3,685 yards and 25 touchdowns.

In his announcement, de Laura said his decision came as a result of the NCAA’s decision to allow players to transfer a second time without penalty as a result of last week’s legal challenge.

de Laura played high school football at St. Louis (HI) High School, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 539 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.