Veteran defensive lineman from transfer portal chooses Arkansas football

Dec 27, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman reacts after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman reacts after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arkansas football has bolstered its defensive line with the addition of Frank Mulipola, a standout transfer from Division II Texas Permian Basin (UTPB). The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive lineman is set to join the Razorbacks as a redshirt senior for the upcoming season.

Mulipola brings tons of experience to Fayetteville, taking the JUCO and DII levels by storm. In 2024, he started all 12 games for UTPB, posting 51 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven QB hurries, and six sacks. However, his presence was felt beyond the line of scrimmage, defending two additional passes and a blocked kick on special teams.

A native of Pago Pago, American Samoa, Mulipola began his college football journey at Independence Community College in 2021 before transferring to UTPB. Over his three-year tenure, he compiled 83 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Mulipola chose Arkansas over several other programs, including Stephen F. Austin, UTEP, UT Rio Grande Valley, Prairie View A&M, and others. With Mulipola’s commitment, Arkansas now stands near the 85-man limit if it hasn't already reached the threshold.

Since the spring transfer portal window opened, the Razorbacks have brought in seven new players, including Mulipola. The Hogs also brought in Linebacker Trent Whalen from Kent State/Southern Utah, Fresno State/Stanford's defensive back Julian Neal, defensive back Shakur Smalls from FCS program Maine, defensive end Phillip Lee from Troy, Madden Iamaleava's replacement FSU's Trever Jackson, and Andy Jean, a wide receiver from Florida/Pittsburgh.

With the new additions, Arkansas' 2025 transfer class cracks the top 20 of 247Sports rankings, coming in at No. 17 in the country.

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