Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu is reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett Sunday night.
Manu, a two-year captain for the Wildcats, is the most impactful defensive Wildcat to enter the transfer portal.
Manu played in seven games this season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Wildcats' homecoming loss to the Colorado Buffaloes. Manu was one of three defensive captains to endure a season-ending leg injury, along with defensive backs Gunner Maldonado and Treydan Stukes.
The 5-11, 228-pound Manu was an under-the-radar recruit coming out of Servite High School in Anaheim, California. Manu signed with Arizona in 2022 and joined his Servite teammates in quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and tight end Keyan Burnett, who is also entering the transfer portal.
Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu celebrates after his tackle for a loss against New Mexico running back Eli Sanders in August.
After standing out on Arizona's scout-team defense, Manu emerged as a starter halfway through his freshman season in 2022.
Last season, Manu led the Pac-12 in tackles (116) and was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team. Manu became the first Wildcat to lead the Pac-12 in tackles since Scooby Wright in 2014 and entered this season with preseason All-Big 12 honors.
Before his season-ending injury, Manu had 47 tackles and a fumble recovery this season.
Manu underwent surgery for his injury in November and isn't expected to be available until the summer. Manu could still return to Arizona.
The transfer portal officially opens on Monday. Click here to see our Arizona football transfer portal tracker.
