Recruiting: The top defensive transfers for Pac-12 legacy schools
The Hotline is delighted to provide West Coast fans with a regular dive into the recruiting process through the eyes and ears of Brandon Huffman, the Phoenix-based national recruiting editor for 247Sports. He submitted the following report on Feb. 27 …
With the transfer portal closed, here’s a look at the top defensive additions for each of the Pac-12 legacy teams (with each player’s previous school).
Arizona: CB Daylen Austin (Oregon)
The Southern California native had high expectations when he got to Oregon, but off-the-field situations derailed his time in Eugene. Now, he has a change of scenery and an opportunity to be a key part of an Arizona secondary that could use his speed and talent to lock up opposing receivers.
Arizona State: LB Owen Long (Colorado State)
An All-Mountain West selection after recording more than 150 tackles, Long went into the portal and had Indiana, Oklahoma and hometown UCLA in pursuit. But he surprised many by picking Arizona State, where he should be an immediate plug-and-play linebacker for Kenny Dillingham.
Cal: S Kingston Lopa (Oregon)
Lopa chose Oregon out of high school largely because of Tosh Lupoi, who coached Lopa’s own high school coach, Syd’Quan Thompson, at Cal. Lopa played as a true freshman, but when Lupoi returned to his alma mater as the head coach, Lopa followed suit.
Colorado: S Boo Carter (Tennessee)
Carter was a key part of Tennessee’s secondary in 2024 but had personality clashes with the team in 2025 and almost missed the season. But it was clear this marriage was coming to an end. Enter coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, offering a fresh start that could be great for both parties.
Oregon: S Koi Perich (Minnesota)
The former Navy All-American Bowl MVP was a standout for the Gophers, a local product who was an impact player. But to the shock of many, he entered the portal. Oregon, which has thrived with stellar, college-proven defensive backs, will slide him into the starting role.
Oregon State: DL Daniel Matagi (Portland State)
After starting at Division II Central Washington, Matagi made the move to the FCS to play at Portland State. One more jump was in store as he chose to play for the Beavers. He should help the revamped roster under new head coach Jamarcus Shepherd.
Stanford: CB Leroy Bryant (Washington)
Bryant was a big win for Washington when he chose the Huskies and played quite a bit down the stretch. But he entered the portal and had several SEC schools pursuing him before choosing Stanford, in his native Bay Area, over UCLA. A school that rarely takes transfers just acquired a cornerback who will join the rotation immediately.
UCLA: EDGE Sahir West (James Madison)
A freshman All-American for the Dukes, West excelled in the Sun Belt championship and had a solid showing in the playoff loss to Oregon. Once coach Bob Chesney departed, West ultimately followed his old coach to Westwood, choosing the Bruins over Texas Tech and Ohio State. For a UCLA defense that severely lacked a pass rush, West should help solve that problem.
USC: EDGE Zuriah Fisher (Penn State)
Injuries have been the issue for Fisher at Penn State, but the change of scenery should do him wonders. While new Nittany Lions defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn came from USC, Fisher went the opposite direction and should be a factor immediately for USC’s pass rush.
Utah: DL Ethan Day (North Texas)
Day finished with 53 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks and had the most snaps of any Mean Green defensive lineman. With a defensive head coach (Morgan Scalley) as the attraction at Utah, Day was one of the rare Mean Green transfers who didn’t follow coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. Instead, he opted for a school that has developed a slew of defensive linemen.
Washington: CB Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia)
Karnley nearly signed with Washington out of high school but chose Jedd Fisch at Arizona. When Fisch left for Seattle, Karnley stayed in Tucson, then left for Miami, where he spent the spring of 2025 before ultimately settling at Virginia. (Got that?) Now, he’s back with Fisch and cornerbacks coach John Richardson, and the buzz on him from current players is that he’s their next lockdown corner.
Washington State: EDGE Linus Zunk (Vanderbilt)
Originally from Germany, Zunk was a part of Vanderbilt’s resurgence the last couple of years, but with one year of eligibility remaining, he wanted the chance to be a starter and not a rotational player. Enter the Cougars, who will welcome Zunk to the lineup and utilize him as a pass-rusher in the new look Pac-12.
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