After leaning heavily on the San Jose Spartans to build Brent Brennan’s first staff and roster in Tucson, the Wildcats have gone back to the Bay Area for what they think will be a crucial piece of its offensive line next season. On Sunday, Arizona signed San Jose State offensive tackle transfer Nate Hale.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman, a native of Orange, California and First Team All-Trinity League selection in 2022, spent the past three seasons in San Jose State and will now reunite with Brent Brennan and offensive line coach Josh Oglesby. Hale appeared in 13 games in 2024, mostly on special teams, but emerged this past season for the Spartans. He appeared in 10 games in 2025, starting all 10 at right tackle for SJSU. He chose the Wildcats over an offer from former Pac-12 rival UCLA.
If there’s one thing Arizona’s offensive line needs, it’s experience, something Hale has plenty of over the last season. Per PFF.com, Hale registered 670 snaps last season, allowing just seven hurries, three hits, and no sacks. He will have two years of eligibility remaining when he arrives in Tucson.
Alexander Doost is the lone starter returning in 2026, meaning Nate Hale has a chance to compete for a starting role at Arizona right away. Matthew Lado, Rhino Tapa’atoutai, and fellow newcomer Zach Henning from Washington figure to be in the fold next season as well. The Wildcats have now added seven offensive players in the transfer portal, and 13 overall. Hale is the second offensive lineman added via the portal alongside Henning from Washington, but the UA is expected to add at least one or two more players.
A full list of Arizona’s transfer portal activity, both incoming and outgoing, is available here on our Transfer Portal Tracker.
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