It felt like only a matter of time until Arizona football lost a top defensive player to the NCAA transfer portal.
Linebacker Jacob Manu became the biggest name yet to announce his intent to enter the portal from the 2024 Wildcats team that went 4-8.
Hayes Fawcett of On3 was first to report the news.
BREAKING: Arizona standout LB Jacob Manu plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 5’11 225 LB totaled 206 Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, 6 PD, & 1 INT in his time with the Wildcats
2023 All-PAC-12 1st Team
1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/rfx2GbhZU4 pic.twitter.com/SvaZnSIBbb
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 9, 2024
Manu missed Arizona’s last five games with a non-contact knee injury he suffered in the UA’s loss to Colorado. Manu had 19 tackles as a junior and one fumble recovery.
Manu, listed at 5-foot-11, is undersized for his position and it’s unclear when he’ll be healthy enough to return to football activities. Whoever signs him is taking a risk, but there’s no denying his productivity when healthy.
The Servite High School product was a breakout star on Arizona’s 2023 defense, earning All-Pac-12 First Team honors. Last season he the Pac-12 with 116 tackles.
Manu was a two-year team captain on the Arizona defense. He was one of the players credited for keeping Wildcats’ core roster in tact last offseason after head coach Jedd Fisch left to Washington.
Manu’s departure, while not totally unexpected, would undoubtedly a blow to Arizona coach Brent Brennan and his staff as they look to retain key players from this year’s squad.
Manu could also decide to return to Arizona.