Former LSU defensive tackle finds a new home

Siaki “Apu” Ika was a big part of LSU’s defense in 2019 when the Tigers won the national championship.

Siaki “Apu” Ika was a big part of LSU’s defense in 2019 when the Tigers won the national championship.

On Tuesday, Ika announced he was transferring to Baylor, where he would be reunited with former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.

Ika entered the NCAA transfer portal back in October.

Ika appeared in 13 games in 2019, making 17 tackles, including one for loss as he played nose tackle in Aranda’s 3-4 scheme.

Aranda departed after the 2019 season to take over as head coach of Baylor, and Bo Pelini took over as LSU’s defensive coordinator.

Pelini switched LSU to a 4-3 defense, and Ika would be one of LSU’s starters at defensive tackle in 2020.

Ika would play in four games this fall for LSU, making one start at Vanderbilt, where he recorded five tackles and a sack in a Tigers’ win.

However, head coach Ed Orgeron shifted around the defensive line in October, leading Ika to see a limited future for himself in Baton Rouge.

The 6-foot-4, 350-pound Ika is a former three-star recruit from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ika has two years of eligibility remaining at Baylor, in addition to the one free year, the NCAA granted for student-athletes due to COVID-19.