Jay Toia
Jay Toia is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football for the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins. Toia was selected by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life and high school
Toia attended Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, California. He was rated as a four-star recruit and committed to play college football for the USC Trojans.College career
USC
Toia spent spring practices with the Trojans as an early enrolled player in 2021. After spending just a few months with the Trojans, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.UCLA
Toia joined the UCLA Bruins before the start of the 2021 season, after spending the summer as a Trojan. In the 2022 Sun Bowl, he notched a career-high ten tackles with two being for a loss against 2022 [Pittsburgh Panthers football team|Pittsburgh]. In his first two collegiate seasons in 2021 and 2022, Toia notched 38 tackle with three being for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. In 2023, he appeared in all 13 games for the Bruins while making 12 starts, where he notched 28 tackles with four being for a loss, and a sack. After the season, Toia entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. However, shortly after, he decided to return to play for the Bruins. In 2024, Toia totaled 25 tackles with two being for a loss, and a sack.Professional career
Toia accepted an invite to play in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl.Toai was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 217th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.