When Jaxson Moi went to Tennessee this past weekend for an official visit with the Vols, he had no idea what to anticipate. He wasn’t sure if it would be the best place for him to finish his college education because 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.
The 6-foot-2, 303-pound Moi picked Tennessee over Washington. He was a sophomore this season, and he has three years to play his final two seasons.
“I think it really just checked all my boxes,” he told GoVols247 before publicly announcing his decision. “I could go to a place where football, it’s almost like a religion here, and people really support their players and they really have tons of love for the program.
“And then, coaching-wise, it’s a great fit. I know I’m going to be cared about, not just as a football player, but the development of my character and just well-being, as well. The resume of (defensive line) coach (Rodney) Garner and the players that he’s produced, as well as (defensive coordinator Tim) Banks and (head) coach (Josh) Heupel having the program on a steady incline.
“I’m just so excited to be a part of it and try to bring a championship back to Tennessee.”
Moi, a former standout at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, appeared in all 12 of Stanford’s games in 2023 and made seven starts. He was in the starting lineup for the Cardinal’s final six games of the season.
He finished the year with 15 tackles, including a tackle for loss and a half-sack, along with one pass breakup. He also was credited with a pair of quarterback hurries. He graded out as Stanford’s second-best defensive lineman during the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Moi took an official visit to Arizona earlier this month after entering the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 31, and he arrived at Washington for an official visit with the Huskies before learning that former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer had left for Alabama. But he admitted he wasn’t sure whether he belonged at Tennessee before traveling to Knoxville with his family this weekend.
“I was very nervous going into my visit,” Moi said. “I didn’t know how I’d fit in. I was questioning how I’d like it out here. But, I mean, after visiting, the South is very similar to Polynesian culture. Everyone is very welcoming.
“It’s truly like a family. Not to sound too cliche, but it just feels like a big ol’ family.”
He said he’s “excited to call Tennessee home.” If everything goes according to plan, he expects to return to Knoxville on Wednesday to begin spring-semester classes and officially join the Vols.
“I think, just after the coaching changes (at Arizona and Washington) and just coming up here and really experiencing it, it was a clear decision where I’m supposed to be,” Moi said.
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