The offensive line was arguably the weakest part of Arizona’s roster this season, and was expected to be a focal point of the transfer portal for Brent Brennan when it opens on Monday. On Friday, that task got a little taller, as starting left guard Wendell Moe Jr. announced he plans to enter the transfer portal.
After joining the Wildcats as a member of Arizona’s landmark 202 recruiting class, the 6-foot-2, 339-pound Moe started games in all three seasons in Tucson. As a freshman, Moe appeared in four games, making three starts. He followed it up starting all 13 games at left guard during Arizona’s 10-3 season, featuring a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the 2023 Alamo Bowl. This season, he appeared in all 12 games, starting in all but the Big 12 home opener against Texas Tech. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Due to injuries this season, Moe played on both sides of the offensive line, logging 638 snaps at left guard and 122 snaps at right guard. He also received the second-best pass-blocking grade (87.0), per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
While sources indicate to AZ Band Cat Sports that Moe is testing the portal waters and could return to Arizona, the Wildcats currently need to replace three starting offensive lineman with 5th-year center Josh Baker out of eligibility, and tackle Jonah Savaiinaea expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The only starters currently returning include left tackle Rhino Tapa’atoutai and right guard Alexander Doost.
Wendell Moe Jr. is the latest Wildcat that plans to enter the transfer portal, joining quarterback Brayden Dorman, tight end Dorian Thomas, defensive lineman Bryce Echols, wide receiver AJ Jones, running back Rayshon “Speedy” Luke, and offensive lineman JT Hand.
The transfer portal officially opens on Monday, December 9.