UCLA football received a major boost on Tuesday with the return of defensive lineman Jay Toia, who had entered the transfer portal just five days earlier. Toia, a 6-foot-3, 325-pound force, is a key piece of a Bruins defense that is already having to replace every edge rusher with experience and a large chunk of the secondary. Toia started all 12 games he played last season, making 28 tackles, including four for losses and one sack. His return is a major victory for UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who praised the culture and development within the program. “We knew with our culture here, our beliefs, the way we coach, our development — we just felt that that really, at the end of the day, overcomes anything that’s coming inside trying to take away our guys,” Foster said. “We’re just excited that he gave us that opportunity to come back and be part of the program, and he’s a Bruin through and through.” Toia’s return is a testament to the belief that players have in Foster and his staff. The Bruins have also received commitments from high school prospects and guard Alani Makihele, a graduate transfer from Nevada Las Vegas who has two years of remaining eligibility. With the spring game set for Saturday at the Rose Bowl, the Bruins are building momentum and excitement around the program. Tickets for the game are free and can be reserved at uclabruins.com.
Jay Toia Returns to UCLA Football
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