Arizona Adds Productive Transfer Edge Rusher Victory Johnson

Johnson joins Arizona's experienced 2026 defensive line after two seasons at Cal Poly.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Arizona has landed a commitment from former Colorado edge rusher Victory Johnson, who played the last two seasons at Cal Poly. Johnson significantly increased his production in 2025, recording 26 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception and three passes defended. He will join an experienced Arizona defensive line that returns several key contributors from 2025.

Why it matters

Arizona's defense made significant strides in 2025 under coordinator Danny Gonzales, and the addition of Johnson provides more depth and experience to the Wildcats' defensive front. Johnson's versatility as a hybrid edge rusher/linebacker could also give Gonzales more flexibility in his defensive schemes.

The details

Johnson redshirted at Colorado in 2023 before transferring to Cal Poly, where he emerged as a productive pass rusher in 2025. Arizona lists him at 6'4" and 250 pounds. He will compete for playing time on a defensive line that returns the majority of its contributors from 2025, including second-team All-Pac-12 selection Tre Smith.

  • Johnson redshirted at Colorado in 2023.
  • In 2024, Johnson had 10 tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss in nine games at Cal Poly.
  • In 2025, Johnson improved to 26 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, one interception and three passes defended at Cal Poly.

The players

Victory Johnson

A former Colorado edge rusher who played the last two seasons at Cal Poly, where he emerged as a productive pass rusher in 2025.

Tre Smith

Arizona's second-team All-Pac-12 defensive end in 2024, who was limited to four games in 2025 due to injury.

Danny Gonzales

Arizona's defensive coordinator, who led a significantly improved Wildcats defense in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Arizona has landed a commitment from Cal Poly transfer DE Victory Johnson, per his agent @IanJohnsonAce.”

— Max Olson (Twitter)

What’s next

Johnson will compete for playing time on an experienced 2026 Arizona defensive line that returns several key contributors from last season.

The takeaway

The addition of Victory Johnson provides more depth and experience to an Arizona defensive line that is looking to build on its strong 2025 campaign. Johnson's versatility as a hybrid edge rusher/linebacker could also give the Wildcats' defense more flexibility in its schemes.