Defensive lineman Sio Nofoagatoto’a (pictured playing for Indiana in 2021), transferred to Arizona ahead of the 2023 season. He describes his role with the Wildcats as a β€œdancing bear,” adding that β€œwe want to be big, but we also want to be light on our feet.”

 Doug McSchooler, Associated Press 2021

Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch said the Wildcats' approach in the transfer portal is "we’re only going to try and bring in guys that can really help us at this point in time."Β 

Sio Nofoagatoto'a, come on down.Β 

The former Indiana defensive tackle announced on Thursday afternoon that he will transfer to the UA, after four seasons with the Hoosiers.Β Nofoagatoto'a attended Arizona's spring game on Saturday.Β 

The 6-3, 315-poundΒ Nofoagatoto'a, theΒ Ili'ili, American SamoaΒ native, logged 52 tackles and one pass deflection.Β 

Nofoagatoto'a is one of six transfer portal additions for Arizona in 2023, along with linebackers Justin Flowe (Oregon) and Daniel Heimuli (Washington), defensive tackles Tyler Manoa (UCLA) and Bill Norton (Georgia) and edge rusher Orin Patu (Cal).Β 

Nofoagatoto'a will be added to a defensive tackle rotation that includes Manoa, Norton, Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei, Tia Savea, Jacob Kongaika and Isaiah Johnson.Β 

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Contact sports producer Justin Spears at jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports