Offensive line 'a natural spot' for Arizona's Chubba Ma'ae

Multiple Arizona football players switched positions this spring, but probably the most notable change is in the trenches.

Nose tackle Chubba Ma’ae moved from the defensive line to Arizona’s interior offensive line in the early stages of the Wildcats’ spring practices.

Ma’ae, who has been limited this spring after missing most of last season with an injury, changed jersey numbers from 92 to 55.

“It’s really a natural spot for him,” said Arizona head coach Brent Brennan.

“That was a conversation between the offensive and defensive staff that it could be a place he really helps us,” Brennan said.

For Ma’ae, it’s more of a homecoming than a position change. Ma’ae played center and guard at Long Beach Polytechnic High School (California) under former head coach and ex-Wildcat Antonio Pierce, before the lineman signed with UC Davis in 2020. However, Ma’ae’s physical composition consumes space and occupies blockers, so he embraced the gap-filling run-stopper role at UC Davis.

Ma’ae transferred to Arizona in December of 2023 and remained with the Wildcats despite the Jedd Fisch regime leaving for Washington. The 6-2 Ma’ae weighed over 370 pounds when he first arrived at Arizona, but trimmed down to 349 pounds for the season.

Ma’ae started at nose tackle in Arizona’s first three games last season and missed the following eight games, but played in the blowout loss to Arizona State. Since he only played in four games, he preserved his final year of eligibility.

In the weeks leading up to the Territorial Cup, Ma’ae took reps on Arizona’s scout-team offensive line “and did a heck of a job,” Brennan said.

Ma’ae took his first team reps during Arizona’s 12th practice of the spring and played left guard between tackle Michael Wooten and center Ise (pronounced ee-say) Matautia. Ma’ae’s experience could give Arizona another option at center, one of the Wildcats’ top position battles after losing three-year starter Josh Baker. Redshirt junior Grayson Stovall, Matautia and Hawaii transfer Ka’ena Decambra.

Now 352 pounds, Ma’ae’s conditioning will likely determine if he’s suited to become a mainstay on Arizona’s offensive line, with offensive coordinator Seth Doege implementing an up-tempo, no-huddle offense. Arizona’s offensive and defensive linemen have done drills that focus on spotting the ball and lining up efficiently — and having the endurance for four quarters.

“I think we’re getting a feel for it and we’re trying to understand that,” Brennan said. “In our conference, there’s lots of teams that play with tempo, so your defense has to get ready to play against it. Having a variety in how fast or how slow you play is important, being able to change it up on your opponent. In order to do that, you have to be able to go fast. In order to do that, you have to be in great shape.

“So much of what we do is trying to get us trained in that space and get us in situations where we’re really, really tired and we have to execute at a high level in a highly competitive situation, because that’s what football is. It’s the fourth quarter, you’re dead tired and you have to execute and play with incredible effort. You gotta live redline and you have no choice, because it’s the fourth quarter and everyone is counting on you.”

Despite surrendering a plethora of sacks in team periods on Saturday, Arizona’s offensive line is “in a good spot,” Brennan said.

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“We had a couple of guys go out the last couple of days, so we’re working through that and mixing and matching the pieces that are in there,” Brennan said. “Some guys are playing positions they haven’t played very much. ... The pieces that we added there, I’m really encouraged by that.”

Added Brennan: “The offensive line is always a work in progress. That is something that goes into training camp and really doesn’t get solidified until you start playing games. You run the first group out there, but you’re always trying to find the best five to get the job done.”

After 12 practices, with one week remaining capped by the Red-Blue Spring Showcase this Saturday, Brennan said the Wildcats “still got work to do.”

“We’re still not there,” said Brennan. “We still got work to do. I’m excited we have three practices. I think we made great progress this spring. ... There’s been a lot of new scheme. Any time you introduce three new coordinators, there’s going to be a lot of teaching, a lot of learning and a lot of mistakes.

“I think the players have been really diligent with their process in terms of trying to do exactly what they’re being asked to do.”

Seen and heard on Saturday

In the first team period Saturday night, quarterback Noah Fifita evaded pass-rushers, scrambled right and connected with Washington State transfer slot receiver Kris Hutson for a chunk play.

Wisconsin transfer quarterback Braedyn Locke launched a 70-yard touchdown to redshirt freshman receiver Brandon Phelps, a rising prospect at “X” receiver, along with Spivey and walk-on Rex Haynes.

Defensive tackle Tiaoalii Savea, defensive end Tre Smith, Montana transfer linebacker Riley Wilson and Texas State transfer Max Harris each recorded sacks. Reserve linebacker Leviticus Su’a had a tackle for loss. San Jose State transfer cornerback Michael Dansby had a pass breakup on a deep pass to Kansas State transfer receiver Tre Spivey. Redshirt freshman edge rusher Eduwa Okundaye sacked Fifita. Defensive tackle Deshawn McKnight and Wilson combined for a sack in one of the final periods of practice. Linebacker Taye Brown also sacked Fifita.

UA redshirt senior kicker Cash Peterman was a perfect 4 for 4 in the first field goal period. Peterman made field goals from 38, 48, 31 and 38 yards. Sophomore kicker and punter Michael Salgado-Medina was 3 for 4 and missed a 43-yarder down the middle, albeit ended the period with a 43-yard field goal from the right hash mark.

Arizona hosted nearly 40 high school prospects on Saturday, including nine players from Phoenix Cesar Chavez. Arizona hosted 2025 kicker and Salpointe Catholic Lancer Kyah Francone. Francone made 93 of 96 PATs and 18 of 24 field goals in two seasons at Salpointe. His longest field goal was 54 yards.

UA hosted several Texas recruits: four-star 2026 tight end Jaivion Martin (Pflugerville), three-star 2027 defensive back Jalani Culpepper (Georgetown) and three-star 2026 running back Keilan Chavies (Hutto).

Brennan revealed Arizona’s national championship-winning men’s wheelchair basketball team will be honored at halftime of the Wildcats’ Big 12 home opener against Oklahoma State in October. Brennan attended the UA’s celebration of the national championship this week and said, “it was really special to be there.” He added: “I was honored they gave me a t-shirt and I thought it was appropriate I wore it tonight (at practice) and celebrate their trophy. ... An inspiring group of people that did something special that needs to be celebrated.”

The Arizona football program hosted over 40 UA professors and faculty for “Professors at Practice” on Saturday. The professors toured the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility, attended team meetings and practice and talked to Brennan, athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois and other UA football coaches and staffers. Said Brennan: “Just being in college athletics as long as I have, I feel strongly about how powerful the collaboration between the academic side and athletic side can be if everyone is on the same page and everyone is about the greater good of the young people we’re in charge of.”