Arizona DT Tiaoalii Savea commits to Texas

Texas found its defensive tackle commit on Tuesday morning.

Texas has its defensive tackle commit in the transfer portal. Arizona defensive tackle Tiaoalii Savea committed to the Longhorns on Tuesday morning capping an eventful offseason for the unit.

Savea is what Texas needs at the position. He’s a veteran player with multiple years of experience and the size to aid the Longhorns in the interior of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s scheme.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound player from Las Vegas logged three seasons at Arizona. In his junior campaign in 2023, Savea compiled 1.5 sacks and 21 total tackles for the Wildcats. He is a much needed get for a defense that not only lacks experience but production at defensive tackle outside of Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton.

Undoubtedly, the familiarity between Savea and current Texas linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen played a role in the move. Nansen worked as the defensive coordinator for Arizona last season and probably has an in-depth scouting report of the skilled player. That Nansen would be in favor of the move would probably speak to Savea’s work ethic and culture fit.

Texas will not be as good as it was at defensive tackle last season after two elite NFL draft prospects departed at the position. Nevertheless, it should be good enough to compete for a playoff berth with Savea added to the fold.