With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each school did during this cycle. Up now are the Arizona Wildcats:
The skinny: Arizona was having a relatively uneventful transfer cycle until everything was turned upside-down on January 14th when head coach Jedd Fisch took the job at Washington. Up to that point, only 11 scholarship players entered the portal, but an additional 21 followed after Fisch departed. The Wildcats, and their new staff led by Brent Brennan, were able to convince four players to withdraw from the portal, most notably defensive back Tacario Davis, but also saw several key contributors transfer to Washington, such as running back Jonah Coleman and defensive back Ephesians Prysock. Also worth noting, the new coaching staff did an admirable job keeping the roster intact during the spring window, with only five scholarship players entering the portal.
Total # of players who entered portal: 37
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 32
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 4
Key losses: RB Jonah Coleman (Washington), DB Ephesians Prysock (Washington), DB Isaiah Taylor (Miami-Florida), DL Bill Norton (Texas)
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Key additions: DE Tre Smith (San Jose State), QB Quali Conley (San Jose State), OL Michael Wooten (Oregon), DB Demetrius Freeney (Miami-Florida)
Final thoughts: Considering the January coaching change, which could have resulted in a complete roster meltdown, Arizona succeeded in keeping the ship righted. Part of that righting was their ability to keep two of their star players, quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, on the roster. Some of the preseason buzz surrounding the Wildcats and their potential in 2024 may have diminished, but overall, the program is still in a good place.
