As expected, Arizona has a few departures in the transfer portal.
Arizona defensive tackle Isaiah Johnson, defensive end Sterling Lane II and cornerback Elijah Brown entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. UA kicker and social media star Cash Peterman entered the transfer portal Monday evening.
Johnson and Lane were both a part of Arizona’s program-changing recruiting class in 2022.
The 6-1, 322-pound Johnson appeared in 10 games last season for Arizona and missed some time after suffering a leg injury in pregame warmups leading up to the Wildcats’ blowout loss to Colorado. The Chandler product had nine tackles and two sacks last season as a redshirt sophomore.
Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (91) works with the linemen at a practice session at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 9, 2024.
After Arizona’s spring practices, UT Martin transfer Deshawn McKnight and Texas transfer Tiaoalii Savea have positioned themselves as likely starters at defensive tackle. The Wildcats are also expected to rely on Jarra Anderson, who was held out last season with a leg injury, and junior college transfer Leroy Palu. Arizona is also adding junior college transfers Ezra Funa and Zac Siulepa, a 6-7, 365-pounder, in the summer.
Lane was a four-star recruit as an outside linebacker and edge rusher, but had a minimal role in three-plus seasons at Arizona. Lane had a career-high 25 tackles and a fumble recovery last season.
Arizona’s projected starters at defensive end are Tre Smith and Dominic Lolesio, with redshirt Eduwa Okundaye, Northwestern State transfer Chancellor Owens and Alcorn State transfer Malachi Bailey, among others, as reserves.
Brown’s career at Arizona was short-lived after transferring from El Camino College (California) in January. The 6-2, 184-pound Brown had 38 tackles, five interceptions and a fumble recovery last season at El Camino College. Brown played one season at El Camino after his career at nearby Narbonne High School.
With Peterman in the transfer portal, sophomore Michael Salgado-Medina is currently the only kicker on Arizona’s roster.
The transfer portal officially closes for new entries on Friday.
