The NCAA transfer portal played a huge roll in Arizona’s roster rebuild last season, and it paid off with a 9-4 record and a trip to the Holiday. The portal will again be where the Wildcats seek to fill
immediate needs.
On Monday night the UA landed its first portal pickup for 2026, one that fills a critical hole on special teams.
Former Arkansas State long snapper Drew Nicolson has committed to Arizona. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Nicolson, who is from Tempe, spent two years at Arkansas State after beginning his career at Akron. As a redshirt sophomore in 2025 he snapped on 124 punts, field goal attempts ahead PATs for the Red Wolves, which went 7-6 with a win over Missouri State in the Xbox Bowl.
Arkansas State was 21 of 27 on field goals with Nicolson part of the kicking apparatus.
Arizona has an opening at long snapper with the graduation of Avery Salerno. He’ll compete with 2025 signee Broden Molen, who redshirted this season.
