It’s no secret that the Washington Huskies will be very active in the spring transfer portal window with eyes on bolstering multiple positions. The defensive line will be one of those focus areas, as the team has already hosted Indiana transfer Philip Bildi on an official visit and will likely also look for other options moving forward.
One of those options should be UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia, who announced on Thursday his intentions to enter the transfer portal. He was one of the best players on an impressive defensive line that featured future first-round pick and former Husky Laiatu Latu. Toia’s dominant 6-foot-3, 325-pound profile should be a coveted asset for the Huskies at a position of need.
As a junior in 2023, Toia was an impressive player whose impact doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, as he only amassed four tackles for loss and a sack. Toia didn’t play in UCLA’s 2022 matchup with Washington, so he might not be someone many Husky fans are familiar with.
He’s an excellent run defender who has plenty of upside as a pass-rusher. With alignment versality from a three technique due to his twitch all the way to a nose defender due to his strength, he can offer a defensive line plenty to work with.
UCLA transfer DL Jay Toia pic.twitter.com/LRwXstwi8s
— Ben Glassmire (@BenGlassmireNFL) April 18, 2024
Toia has jaw-dropping reps throughout games, where he can completely disrupt what an offense wants to do. With Washington’s current group at the position, adding an explosive interior defender like Toia could further transform the group into one that can compete in the Big Ten.
His addition would add proven production and size to a room that will be expected to carry the load against run heavy teams in the new conference. While it’s unknown at this point if the Huskies will seriously pursue the former UCLA defender, he should be high on their wish list.