Arizona offensive tackle Leif Magnuson on Friday became the 32nd Wildcat to join the transfer portal, according to various reports.
Arizona offensive tackle Leif Magnuson, who played in 17 games across four seasons, has entered the transfer portal, as initially reported by Pete Nakos of On3. Magnuson validated the report two hours after Nakos, indicating he is willing to engage in talks with FBS and FCS programs.
Magnuson committed to Arizona as the 1,379th prospect, 88th offensive guard, and the second player from Saskatchewan, Canada, from Saskatoon Bethlehem Catholic according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Magnuson did not participate in 2020 or 2022, appeared in four games in 2021 and took part in 11 of the 13 contests in Arizona in 2023.
Arizona loses a highly experienced offensive lineman from its team as Magnuson decides to advance for his sixth year. Magnuson was among the top-rated Arizona players by Pro Football Focus in 2024 but was ruled out for the season due to concussions in 2024.
Arizona has seen two OTs and four offensive linemen depart for the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Offensive tackle Elijha Payne, guard Wendall Moe who later transferred to Tennessee, center J.T. Hand who went to Oregon State, and interior offensive lineman Jonah Rodriguez also departed Arizona following the 2024 season.
Arizona offensive line coach Josh Oglesby and head coach Brent Brennan have effectively worked on revitalizing the Wildcats’ offensive line for 2025. Offensive linemen Jordan Brown from Georgia Tech, Tristan Bounds from Michigan, Max Buchanan from Texas Tech, and interior lineman Ka’ena DeCambra from Hawaii are new transfers joining the OL.
Revamping the OL is essential for Arizona in 2025. Arizona ranked 97th in the nation for yards per carry, 62nd for permitting 5.42 tackles for loss per game, and 91st for allowing 2.33 sacks per game. These figures all suggest inadequate offensive line performance. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita faced relentless pressure during the 2024 season.
In 2024, Fifita experienced a standout season as a redshirt freshman, largely due to superb performance from the offensive line. For Fifita to regain his 2023 form. Arizona requires the new offensive lineman to make an impact. Buchanan is anticipated to be a starting player. Bounds might vie for a starting position, while Brown and DeCambra probably provide additional depth.
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