Arizona defensive tackle Bill Norton to reportedly enter transfer portal

Arizona starting defensive tackle Bill Norton will reportedly enter the spring transfer portal when it opens for business on Monday, according to 247Sports.com’s Matt Zenitz on Friday.

Norton is the latest defensive starter to enter the portal, joining cornerback Ephesians Prysock and defensive end Isaiah Ward. Norton will be the ninth scholarship defensive lineman to leave the program through the transfer portal or graduation.

With Norton out, the Wildcats will have all new starters on the defensive line for the 2024 season. Arizona’s interior defensive linemen include junior Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, UC Davis transfer Chubba Ma’ae and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Johnson, among others.

Norton, a 6-6, 325-pounder from Memphis, Tennessee, transferred to Arizona last spring following four seasons at Georgia, where he held a minimal role for the Bulldogs. At Arizona, Norton recorded 32 tackles, 2.5 stops for loss, three pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Norton’s size and gap-filling presence bolstered Arizona’s rushing defense that finished 25th nationally in 2023.

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Entering his final year of eligibility, Norton opted to return to Arizona despite the Wildcats’ previous coaching staff leaving for Washington; Norton announced his return on his social media accounts in February. Although Norton is reportedly entering the transfer portal, he could still return to Arizona.

In the days leading up to the two-week transfer portal period that starts on Tuesday, first-year Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said he’s “mostly been talking to players one-on-one and just kind of checking in with guys” regarding their status at the UA.

“The situation we’re in — and everyone in college football is in — is so interesting and so rare,” Brennan said. “We’re all kind of going through it for the first time. I hope everyone stays. I really do. But I think we have a great group of young people here that really care about each other. It really matters to them. People are going to make their own decisions. Those decisions are ones we’re going to have to respect.”

Arizona will hold its scrimmage Saturday morning at 10:20 a.m. at Arizona Stadium. The UA spring game is on April 27 at 6 p.m.