Justin Spears
Another FCS standout is joining the Arizona football program. The latest addition: Alcorn State defensive end Malachi Bailey, who committed to the Wildcats on Instagram Sunday morning after his official visit.
In three seasons at Alcorn State, the 6-2, 260-pound Bailey, who started his career at Independence Community College (Kansas), recorded 128 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss and 28 sacks.
Bailey was named a First-Team All-SWAC selection following the 2024 season.
Bailey bolsters the depth on Arizona's defensive line, a unit that returns starting defensive ends Tre Smith and Chase Kennedy, along with edge rushers Dominic Lolesio and Sterling Lane II.
The Wildcats also return potential starting defensive tackles in senior Chubba Ma'ae, redshirt sophomore Isaiah Johnson, redshirt freshman Julian Savaiinaea (younger brother of former UA star offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea) and former Memphis transfer Jarra Anderson, who suffered a season-ending leg injury at the start of the 2024 season.
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Bailey is the ninth FCS player -- fourth defensive lineman -- to transfer to Arizona for the 2025 season. The others are Northwestern State linebacker Blake Gotcher, Northwestern State defensive end Chancellor Owens, Portland State running back Quincy Craig, Portland State center Isaac Perez, Montana edge rusher Riley Wilson, UT Martin defensive tackle Deshawn McKnight, Mercyhurst tight end Cameron Barmore and Chattanooga wide receiver Javin Whatley.
Arizona has 25 total newcomers in the transfer portal.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at [email protected]. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
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