Michigan Football: Top transfer chooses UCLA instead of Wolverines
Many expected Jay Toia to become part of the Michigan football program, but surprisingly, he transferred to UCLA instead of U-M.
When defensive tackle Jay Toia came and went from Ann Arbor this past weekend without a commitment, it was cause for concern.
Many analysts expected him to wind up as part of the Michigan football program and there was even some hope that the Wolverines would land his commitment over the weekend.
It didn’t happen and that’s because Toia wound up committing to the UCLA Bruins on Tuesday night in a strange twist that leaves Michigan football on the short end once again in the portal.
https://twitter.com/JayToia_102/status/1402490065268338691
I’ll say it’s pretty weird that Toia entered the transfer portal only to wind up at crosstown rival UCLA. Michigan seemed to be the favorite all along until it wasn’t.
And ultimately, the distance seemed to be the biggest factor in the decision, because outside of that, all other factors seemed to be favoring the Wolverines.
It’s a big loss as Toia could have competed for playing time right away and the 300-pound defensive tackle would have been an ideal nose tackle, as well as another four-star recruit on the D-line after signing Rayshaun Benny and George Rooks.
Another portal miss for Michigan
The transfer portal has not been kind to Michigan this recruiting cycle as U-M has been able to make just one addition — DT Jordan Whittley from Oregon State.
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Whittley will be counted on to play an important role next season as the 6-foot-1, 350-pounder was added to beef up the run defense.
Toia going into the portal wasn’t expected. But his strong relationship with Shaun Nua made Michigan football feel very optimistic.
Unfortunately, Toia will go right along with Lance Dixon, a former four-star linebacker recruit who left Penn State for West Virginia but was expected to wind up at Michigan.
There were some issues with transfer credits there. With Toia, it seems all about the distance and at this point, it looks like the Wolverines are probably done adding talent for the 2021 season.
Toia would have been a dream addition, but just like his high school recruitment, the buzz was all about nothing as the California kid obviously doesn’t want to leave home.