Stanford DL transfer commits to Tennessee, saying it’s a “great fit”
Following his weekend visit with the Vols, an accomplished defensive lineman from a Power Five school committed to Tennessee on Sunday.
Callahan Ryan
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When Jaxson Moi went to Tennessee this past weekend for an official visit with the Vols, he had no idea what to expect. He wasn’t sure whether it would be the best place for him to finish his college education since he had never been there.
By the conclusion of his weekend in Knoxville, however, the Stanford defensive lineman had a different impression. With his announcement on Sunday afternoon, he committed to Tennessee, providing the Vols with two more seasons of eligibility and an experienced defensive lineman.
Moi, a 303-pound, 6-foot-2 player, chose Tennessee over Washington. This season, he was a sophomore, and he still has three seasons left to play.
Before making his choice public, he told GoVols247, “I think it really just checked all my boxes.” “I could move to a location where people really love the program and support their athletes; football is almost like a religion there.
Additionally, coaching-wise, it makes perfect sense. I’m certain that people will be concerned about my well-being and character development in addition to my football career. The program is steadily improving thanks to the track record of defensive coordinator Tim Banks, head coach Josh Heupel, defensive line coach Rodney Garner, and the players he has developed.
“I’m just thrilled to be involved and hope to win a championship for Tennessee again.”
Former San Diego Cathedral Catholic High School standout Moi played in all 12 Stanford games in 2023, starting seven of them. For the last six games of the season, he was a member of the starting lineup for the Cardinals.
He had 15 tackles at the end of the season, one pass breakup, a tackle for loss, and a half-sack. He was also given credit for two quarterback hurries. Pro Football Focus rated him as Stanford’s second-best defensive tackle for the 2023 campaign.
After registering for the NCAA transfer portal on December 31, Moi traveled to Arizona for an official visit earlier this month. He then landed in Washington for an official visit with the Huskies, only to discover that former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer had gone for Alabama. However, he said that prior to spending this weekend in Knoxville with his family, he wasn’t sure whether he belonged at Tennessee.
“I had a lot of anxiety before my visit,” Moi said. “I wasn’t sure how I would blend in. I was wondering whether I would like being outside. I mean, after going, I realized how much Southern culture resembles Polynesian culture. Everyone is really hospitable.
It really is like a family. It seems like a huge, old family, not to sound too corny.
“Excited to call Tennessee home,” he said. He anticipates returning to Knoxville on Wednesday, if everything goes as planned, to start spring semester studies and formally join the Vols.
“I believe it was obvious where I was meant to be, especially after the coaching changes (at Arizona and Washington) and after coming up here and really experiencing it,” Moi said.
According to Moi, the fact that two other players for Tennessee are Polynesian—freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit from Downey, California’s Warren High School, and senior linebacker Keenan Pili—didn’t hurt.
Moi referred to Vols recruiting analyst Aaron Amaama as “Coach ‘Dogg,’ the recruiter,” and stated, “I met Keenan Pili and also, I didn’t meet (Iamaleava).” Another major benefit of my dedication to this place was knowing that I had those people nearby in case I ever need to escape everyday life and feel at home.
However, I was thrilled. I felt like starting again and following my own path. I just think it’s really fascinating that they’re trying to build a Poly pipeline from the West Coast to Tennessee since you don’t see too many Polys out here, except from Keenan and Nico, of course.
Heupel and Garner, the Tennessee coaches, helped Moi feel completely at home. Moi expressed his admiration for Heupel’s “genuineness.”
Moi said of Heupel, “You could tell he wasn’t putting on a front.” It was evident that he really cares about his players, that he is a very approachable guy and a coach to them. Just genuinely attempting to go further into our relationship.
It was very amazing to meet Coach G and learn about his methodology for producing excellent defensive lineman. I’m aware that it will need a lot of effort, and he will be harsh with his players. However, he will adore them and rejoice in their accomplishments with equal fervor.
At defensive tackle, Tennessee has a few seasoned veterans back, starting with Omari Thomas, a senior, and Omarr Norman-Lott, a junior this year. Moi said that he hopes to start for the Vols straight away and that he may be able to play a greater role in 2025 since at least a few seniors are projected to leave following the 2024 season.
“They have excellent players coming back, so my goal is to work hard, secure a spot in the rotation, and contribute significantly to that defense while introducing the West Coast style of play to the South,” Moi said. “I’m eager to demonstrate my abilities to others.”
