Defensive lineman Jay Toia returned to the UCLA football program on Monday evening after briefly exploring his options in the transfer portal last week.
“Jay was here today,” UCLA football coach DeShaun Foster told the Southern California News Group on the Bleav in UCLA football podcast Monday. “We had our team meeting and I looked and I saw big Jay.”
Toia, a Grace Brethren alumnus, started 12 of 13 games for the Bruins in 2023 and contributed 28 tackles (four for a loss) and a sack. He played a crucial role in anchoring a defensive front that featured edge rushers Laiatu Latu, Gabriel, and Grayson Murphy, all of whom are projected to be selected in the NFL Draft this week.
In 2024, Toia is anticipated to be UCLA’s highest-rated NFL prospect.
“I’m just excited,” Foster said. “Being genuine is something that’s special here. We are just a family. There’s something hard about getting away from your family. I’m just glad Jay is in the building and we are going to continue to be Bruins and keep a fence up and keep our guys.”
According to 247sports, Toia was rated as the third-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal.
More information about this situation is expected to be released soon.
