The Wildcats’ most impactful transfer announcement comes less than 24 hours before the portal opens on Monday. On Sunday evening, it was reported that Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu is set to enter the transfer portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Manu, a two-year captain on defense, appeared in seven games for the Wildcats this year before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Arizona’s homecoming loss to the Colorado Buffaloes. Manu was one of three defensive captains to suffer a season-ending leg injury this year, alongside defensive backs Treydan Stukes and Gunner Maldonado.
The 5-foot-11, 228-pound Manu and former three-star prospect was an under-recruited prospect coming out of Servite High School in 2022. Manu ultimately chose to join high school teammates quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and tight end Keyan Burnett at Arizona.
Manu moved into a starting role midway through his freshman season, after impressing as a member of Arizona’s scout team. He appeared in all 12 games as a freshman, logging 54 tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. Manu was the Pac-12’s leading tackler in 2023 (116 tackles), earning All-Pac-12 First Team and Associated Press (AP) All-Pac-12 First Team honors. After becoming the first Wildcat to lead the Pac-12 in tackles since Scooby Wright in 2014, Manu entered the year with preseason All-Big 12 honors.
Before his season-ending injury, Manu recorded 47 tackles and a fumble recovery for the Wildcats this season.
Manu underwent surgery for his leg injury in November and likely won’t be able to return to the field until next summer. As a result, it’s possible Jacob Manu could return from the transfer portal to Tucson next fall.
The NCAA transfer portal officially opens on Monday. Wildcat Nation can stay up-to-date with all of Arizona’s portal news with our Transfer Portal Tracker.