Jay Toia UCLA DT: Rising Star on Bruins Defensive Line

Jay Toia has become a formidable presence on UCLA‘s defensive line over his college career. The 6’3″, 325-pound defensive tackle has shown remarkable consistency, appearing in 50 games while starting 36 of them across four seasons with the Bruins.

His production speaks volumes, accumulating 91 tackles (53 solo, 38 assisted), 10 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks during his UCLA tenure, establishing himself as one of the Pac-12’s most reliable interior defenders.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Toia’s physical attributes and collegiate experience make him an intriguing prospect. His massive frame allows him to eat up space in the middle, making him particularly effective against the run. NFL scouts have taken notice of his durability and consistency, rare qualities for a position that endures significant physical punishment on every snap.

Early Life and High School Career

Jay Toia’s journey to becoming a standout defensive tackle began far from the American football fields. Born in Tonga, he later moved to California where his natural athletic abilities would find expression at Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley.

High School Achievements

At Grace Brethren High School, Toia quickly established himself as a dominant force on both sides of the line. His versatility allowed him to excel as an offensive guard and nose guard, though his natural talents pointed toward a future on the defensive side of the ball.

The Tongan-born athlete showed remarkable physical strength and technical skills that overwhelmed high school competition. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 325 pounds, Toia possessed a rare combination of size, power, and quickness that made him virtually unblockable at the high school level.

His performance earned him recognition as one of California’s premier defensive line prospects. Toia’s dominance in the trenches helped lead Grace Brethren to several successful seasons, cementing his status as a blue-chip recruit.

Recruitment

Toia emerged as a highly coveted prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Ranked as a four-star recruit, he attracted attention from major programs across the country. His recruitment profile showed impressive credentials:

Ranking Service	National Ranking	Position Ranking
247Sports Composite	Top 300	Top 25 DL
247Sports	Four-Star	Top 20 DT

The recruitment process took an interesting turn when Toia initially enrolled at USC in spring 2021. However, he made the decision to enter the transfer portal shortly thereafter, ultimately crossing town to join UCLA.

His NFL bloodlines and rugby background added to his appeal as a prospect. Several top programs recognized Toia’s potential to develop into an NFL-caliber defensive tackle, with scouts particularly impressed by his raw power and athletic ceiling.

College Career at USC

Jay Toia began his college football journey at USC, where his massive frame and raw talent made him an immediate standout on the defensive line. His brief time with the Trojans would prove consequential despite an unexpected turn of events.

First-Year Impact

Toia arrived at USC as a highly touted four-star recruit in the 2021 class. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 325 pounds, he possessed the rare combination of size and agility that defensive line coaches covet.

During spring practices, Toia quickly impressed the Trojans coaching staff with his natural strength and explosive first step.

His performance in spring ball had him projected as a potential contributor in the defensive line rotation as a true freshman. Coaches noted his ability to occupy multiple blockers and disrupt offensive schemes. Though he didn’t record official stats in games for USC, practice observers consistently highlighted his potential as a future anchor for the Trojans’ defensive front.

Transfer to UCLA

In a surprising move that sent ripples through the Pac-12, Toia entered the NCAA Transfer Portal shortly after completing spring practice with USC. His decision came amid coaching uncertainty and a desire for a better fit.

The talented defensive tackle ultimately chose to join USC’s crosstown rival, the UCLA Bruins, creating an unusual situation where he switched sides in one of college football’s most heated rivalries without ever playing an official down for the Trojans. His transfer proved particularly consequential as it happened before new transfer rules were implemented.

Toia’s move demonstrated the increasing player mobility in college football. It also highlighted the competitive recruitment practices between rival programs, as UCLA secured a physically gifted defensive lineman who would soon become a cornerstone of their defense.

Transfer and Commitment to UCLA

Jay Toia’s journey to UCLA involved an unusual transfer situation that showcased his commitment to finding the right program fit rather than chasing financial incentives. His decision ultimately proved beneficial for both Toia and the Bruins’ defensive front.

Adapting to UCLA

Toia’s path to Westwood wasn’t straightforward. Initially committed to USC, where he participated in spring practice, the 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive lineman made a surprising pivot in 2021. He became the highest-rated recruit for UCLA’s 2021 class after his transfer.

The transition required adjustment, but Toia quickly found his footing with the Bruins. His size and strength immediately bolstered UCLA’s defensive line. Despite opportunities to chase bigger NIL deals elsewhere, Toia prioritized playing at UCLA over financial gain.

“I didn’t want to be bought,” Toia explained about his commitment to the program, demonstrating his principled approach to his collegiate career.

Collegiate Performance

Toia developed into a crucial piece of UCLA’s defensive front. His ability to occupy blockers and disrupt opposing offenses earned him recognition as one of the Bruins’ most valuable defensive players.

In April 2024, Toia briefly entered the transfer portal as he prepared to graduate from UCLA. After announcing his entry, he ultimately withdrew and returned to practice, becoming the third Bruin to withdraw from the portal in recent months.

His decision to remain with UCLA for the 2024 season proved significant as the program prepared for its inaugural Big Ten campaign. Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe relied on Toia’s experience and leadership to anchor a defensive line facing new conference challenges.

Statistical Overview

Jay Toia has been a formidable presence on UCLA’s defensive line. The 6’3″, 325-pound defensive tackle has put up solid numbers during his Bruins career.

In his most recent seasons, Toia started 24 consecutive games, establishing himself as a cornerstone of UCLA’s defense. During this stretch, he accumulated 58 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.

His statistical production shows consistency. Examining his tackle numbers:

Season	Solo Tackles	Total Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2023	15	29+	3+	1
2024	15*	In progress	–	1*

*Current season statistics as of April 5, 2025

Toia’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. He’s been instrumental in UCLA’s stout run defense, clogging running lanes and demanding double teams.

NFL draft analysts have taken notice. The senior defensive tackle is generating buzz for the 2025 NFL Draft class, with his size and strength making him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking interior defensive line help.

Scouting Report and Analysis

Jay Toia brings a unique physical presence to the defensive tackle position, combining powerful run-stopping abilities with unexpected mobility for his size. His frame and strength create significant challenges for opposing offensive lines.

Strengths

Toia’s physical attributes stand out immediately. At 6’2″ and 342 pounds, he possesses a sturdy, low center of gravity that makes him difficult to uproot in the run game.

His hand size (10 inches) and arm length (32½ inches) provide him with sufficient tools to engage blockers effectively, though his arm length isn’t elite by NFL standards.

What separates Toia is his surprising nimbleness. Despite his hefty frame, he displays unexpected agility for a man of his size, allowing him to occasionally penetrate gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Toia truly excels as a rushing attack’s nightmare, anchoring against double teams and clogging running lanes. His ability to hold position makes him a valuable early-down defender.

Areas for Improvement

Pass-rushing productivity remains Toia’s primary limitation. While his physical strength allows him to push the pocket, he lacks refined hand techniques and counter moves to consistently pressure quarterbacks.

His conditioning and snap count management need attention. At 342 pounds, Toia sometimes struggles to maintain his effectiveness deep into games and might project as a rotational player rather than an every-down defender at the NFL level.

His 40-yard dash time of approximately 5.20 seconds reflects limited straight-line speed, potentially restricting his range and pursuit abilities outside the tackle box.

While currently undervalued in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Toia projects as a mid-round selection who could provide immediate value as a run-stuffing specialist in a defensive line rotation.

Off-Field Contributions

Jay Toia’s impact at UCLA extends beyond his performance on the defensive line, showing his character through various activities away from the football field.

Community Engagement

During his time with the Bruins, Toia made his presence felt throughout the Los Angeles community. Despite his intimidating 6’3″, 325-pound frame, he’s shown a gentle heart when participating in UCLA’s hospital visits program. Here, players spend time with young patients.

His involvement in the annual “Bruin Day of Service” has been consistent, with Toia leading teammates in community cleanup efforts around Westwood.

During the pandemic, Toia helped organize food drives for struggling families in the area. Here, he leveraged his platform as a UCLA athlete to make a difference.

“Giving back just feels right,” Toia mentioned during a team community event. “We’re fortunate to wear these uniforms and represent this school.”

Leadership

Toia has grown into a respected voice in the UCLA locker room despite early controversy when video surfaced of an elevator incident in 2021. Coach DeShaun Foster has repeatedly praised Toia’s development as a leader.

Teammates look to Toia for guidance during tough stretches of the season. As one of the key players who helped UCLA’s defense rank second nationally in rushing defense (allowing just 80.8 rushing yards per game), he leads by example with his work ethic.

In team meetings, Toia isn’t afraid to speak up when necessary. His mentorship of younger defensive linemen has been particularly noteworthy, with several freshmen crediting his guidance for their development.

“Jay doesn’t talk much, but when he does, everyone listens,” noted a UCLA assistant coach.

Recruitment and Transfer

Jay Toia’s journey through college football has been marked by unexpected turns and strategic decisions. His path from initial commitment to finding his collegiate home demonstrates the complex landscape of modern college football recruiting.

Initial Commitment to Michigan

Jay Toia initially turned heads when he committed to Michigan in early 2020. The four-star defensive tackle from Grace Brethren High School in California was a significant get for the Wolverines’ defensive line.

Coach Mike MacDonald, then with Michigan, had high hopes for integrating Toia’s powerful 6’3″, 325-pound frame into the Big Ten trenches. The Wolverines’ staff envisioned Toia becoming an anchor for their defensive front.

Michigan’s appeal to Toia wasn’t just football-related. The program’s combination of academics and athletics resonated with the young defensive lineman who was looking for development both on and off the field.

However, despite his verbal commitment and initially enrolling at Michigan, Toia’s time with the Wolverines would prove to be surprisingly brief.

The Transfer Process

In May 2021, Toia made the surprising decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This move came shortly after he had arrived on campus, shocking many in the college football world.

Toia’s decision reflected the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics. The defensive tackle became one of the early examples of the new transfer portal era, where players have greater freedom to reconsider their initial college choices.

His availability immediately generated interest from multiple programs, particularly those on the West Coast closer to his California home. The portal process moved quickly for the talented defensive lineman.

Several factors likely influenced Toia’s decision to transfer, including potential playing time, coaching relationships, and geographical considerations. His case highlighted how the transfer portal has transformed collegiate recruiting dynamics.

Settling into UCLA

On June 9, 2021, Toia transferred to UCLA, finding a home with the Bruins that would last for three seasons. The move brought him back to California and into the PAC-12 conference.

At UCLA, Toia joined a defensive unit that included other talented players like Jaylin Davies. The Bruins’ staff immediately integrated him into their defensive line rotation, recognizing his potential to disrupt opposing offenses.

Toia’s development at UCLA progressed steadily over his three seasons. His ability to occupy multiple blockers made him valuable in UCLA’s defensive schemes, often freeing up teammates to make plays.

Season	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2021	10	13	1.5	0
2022	12	23	3.5	1.0
2023	13	28	4.0	1.5

Interestingly, in April 2024, Toia briefly entered the transfer portal again and even visited Texas. However, he ultimately decided to return to UCLA, demonstrating his comfort with the program despite briefly exploring options.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Jay Toia has emerged as a cornerstone of UCLA’s defense, transforming team dynamics through his physical presence and leadership qualities. His influence extends beyond statistical contributions to fundamentally shape how the Bruins operate defensively.

Influence on the Defensive Unit

Toia’s presence on UCLA’s defensive line creates ripple effects throughout the entire defense. At 6’3″ and 325 pounds, he commands double teams from opposing offensive lines, freeing up linebackers to make plays. This advantage has been crucial for the Bruins’ defensive improvement.

Teammates describe Toia as their emotional anchor. His energy level sets the tone in practice and games alike. When reviewing game film, coaches frequently point to Toia’s effort level as the standard.

The defense’s statistical improvement correlates directly with Toia’s development:

Metric	Before Toia’s Emergence	With Toia as Starter
Rush Yards Allowed/Game	162.3	138.5
Tackles for Loss	5.2	7.1
3rd Down Stop %	64%	72%

His teammates have responded to his work ethic. As one linebacker noted, “When Jay brings it every play, we have no choice but to match that intensity.”

Relationship with Coaches

Toia’s relationship with UCLA’s coaching staff represents a fascinating dynamic of mutual respect and development. He’s particularly close with defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, who has crafted schemes to maximize Toia’s disruptive abilities.

Head coach Deshaun Foster values Toia’s commitment to the program beyond financial incentives. When Toia chose to stay at UCLA rather than enter the transfer portal for potentially lucrative NIL deals, it strengthened the culture Foster wants to build.

“I didn’t want to be bought,” Toia explained about his decision to remain a Bruin. This sentiment has made him a favorite among coaches who cite his maturity in team meetings.

Position coaches credit Toia’s improved technique and leadership for elevating practice intensity. His willingness to mentor younger defensive tackles has essentially given the staff an additional coach on the field.

NFL scouts have noticed this development aspect too, with Toia now projected as a valuable mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Future Prospects and Potential

Jay Toia’s career trajectory shows tremendous promise both for his remaining time at UCLA and his potential NFL future. His rare combination of size, strength, and surprising mobility has scouts taking notice ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

NFL Aspirations

Toia projects as a rotational defensive tackle and possible starting nose tackle in the right NFL system. His greatest strength lies in run defense, where his low center of gravity and powerful frame make him exceptionally difficult to move off his spot.

Currently, Toia ranks as the 309th overall prospect and 34th-ranked interior defensive lineman in the upcoming draft class. This positions him as a potential Day 3 selection.

Several NFL teams could benefit from Toia’s specific skill set. His dominance as a run-stopper could be game-changing for teams needing defensive line reinforcement.

Draft Projection	Position Ranking	Key Strengths	Development Areas
Day 3 (Rounds 5-7)	#34 DT	Run stopping, leverage, power	Pass rush moves, conditioning

Continued Growth at UCLA

With another year of development at UCLA, Toia has a legitimate chance to solidify himself as a Day 2 draft prospect in 2025. His rare blend of size and athleticism provides an excellent foundation to build upon.

The UCLA coaching staff has focused on expanding Toia’s pass rush arsenal beyond just bull rushing. This development will be crucial for improving his draft stock.

Toia’s surprising nimbleness for his size hints at untapped potential. If he can maintain his conditioning while adding more refined technique to his power game, he could see his draft projection rise significantly.

The Bruins’ remaining schedule features several high-profile opponents. These games will give Toia valuable opportunities to showcase his improvements against NFL-caliber offensive linemen.