Arizona junior linebacker Daniel Heimuli announced on Thursday that he's entering the the transfer portal and will miss the 14th-ranked Wildcats' matchup with No. 12 Oklahoma in the Valero Alamo Bowl.Β
Heimuli started four games at "Mike" linebacker and logged 15 tackles and one fumble recovery in his lone season with the Wildcats, after transferring from Washington.
"I extend my deepest appreciation to the University of Arizona, my exceptional teammates and the coaching staff for their unwavering support and guidance," Heimuli said. "Earning my degree from this esteemed institution is a life accomplishment that I will forever cherish. The memories created on the field and the bonds formed with my teammates will remain etched in my heart.
"As I embark on this new chapter of my journey, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my Wildcat family. This season has been more than I could ask for, and through God's will, I'm excited for what the future holds."Β
Heimuli starred at Menlo-Atherton High School in East Palo Alto, California native. The former four-star linebacker was rated by 247Sports.com as the ninth-best linebacker for the 2019 class. Arizona tight ends coach Jordan Paopao was one of Heimuli's primary recruiters at Washington.
After four seasons at Washington, Heimuli transferred to Arizona and was named the Wildcats' starting middle linebacker alongside Jacob Manu, but was replaced by former Oregon transfer Justin Flowe after the overtime loss to Mississippi State. Heimuli started in Arizona's only home loss of the year against his former team Washington and the home finale against Utah.
Arizona defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen said on Wednesday that Flowe "has been taking most of the reps" at middle linebacker leading up to the Alamo Bowl. Arizona senior nickelback Martell Irby, who started the UCLA and Colorado games at middle linebacker, is also "sharing the reps in practice."Β
Flowe is expected to return to the UA next season, along with freshmen Kamuela Ka'aihue, Chandler native Taye Brown and former four-star recruit Leviticus Su'a. Arizona also signed three-star Los Angeles-area linebacker Stacy Bey for 2024 on Wednesday.Β
"There's going to be some competition in the spring," Nansen said. "And some new backers are coming in."Β
