The recent decision by the NCAA to grant an extra year of eligibility to certain college football players who played at the JUCO level has benefited Arizona for the second time.
The Wildcats have earned a commitment from former Alcorn State defensive lineman Malachi Harris, who visited campus on Saturday and became their 25th pickup from the NCAA transfer portal.
The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Riley spent the past three seasons with the Braves, where in 34 games he had 128 tackles (46.5 for loss) and 28 sacks, logging at least nine sacks and 11.5 TFL each year. He was at Independence Community College in Kansas in 2021, and that year no longer counts toward his NCAA eligibility.
Riley is the eighth defensive lineman the UA has added this offseason, including high school and JUCO recruits. He would have been the ninth but ex-Wyoming defensive end Braden Siders, who had committed to the Wildcats on Wednesday, has since flipped to West Virginia where he will play for former Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez.
The UA has signed or gotten commitments from at least 49 high school, JUCO or FBS/FCS transfers since the 2024 season ended. The 105-player roster limit goes into effect in the fall, and with more player movement expected the Wildcats are likely to have more newcomers than returners on the team.