Kalolo Ta'aga Transfer Portal: Top 5 landing spots for USC OL ft. California
For some players like Kalolo Ta'aga, the decision to dive into the transfer portal hasn't required a lengthy struggle. Ta'aga is finishing up his first semester as a college football player, but the USC Trojans lineman is entering the portal. A three-star prospect, Ta'aga has plenty of potential which has already drawn significant interest from Western schools.
At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Ta'aga has a size that can't be taught. He hasn't seen meaningful playing time, but his future remains bright. Still, it's a future he doesn't seek to continue at USC but will now try for another school.
Here are five likely possibilities for Ta'aga's next school pick.
Kalolo Ta'aga Transfer Portal: 5 likely landing spots
#5. San Jose State
Early in his recruitment, Ta'aga was committed to San Jose State. While he ended up elsewhere, a semester of power conference football could lead him to reconsider his path. Meanwhile, 7-5 San Jose State did a nice job this year in pass blocking, allowing only 12 sacks, but picked up just 3.4 yards per carry.
If Ta'aga could help the Spartans run more effectively, they could compete for their own league title. Group of Five programs don't have massive tackles like Ta'aga often. He could be an immediate game-changer at San Jose State.
#4. Utah
Utah was a significant player in Ta'aga's original recruitment. After a tough 5-7 year, the Utes are seeking to redirect the program. Utah was competent in offensive line play, but not brilliant. In three seasons, Ta'aga could help the Utes experience a significant rebound.
Meanwhile, Utah isn't far removed from the kind of seasons that would earn a CFP berth in the modern 12-team playoff. Ta'aga might go up a level in terms of the play of his school if he jumps from USC to Utah.
#3. Washington
Washington is one of three teams identified as having already shown interest in Ta'aga. The Huskies didn't recruit Ta'aga out of high school, but coach Jedd Fisch did recruit him at Arizona. Washington fell from the national title game to 6-6, but signing Ta'aga might help them bounce back.
Washington gave up 34 sacks in 2024, up from just a dozen in 2023. Ta'aga could see day one playing time at tackle and if the Huskies can shore up the pass blocking, Fisch will have a game plan to bring them back quickly. Washington and Ta'aga would be a logical pairing.
#2. Arizona
Meanwhile, Fisch's old school is also involved with Ta'aga. Arizona allowed 28 sacks and gained just 3.8 yards per carry. The 4-8 Wildcats averaged just 21.8 points per game. Brent Brennan's team had an underachieving 2024 season.
But Ta'aga has a real opportunity to immediately contribute to the Wildcats. A solid presence on the edge of the offensive line could yield immediate dividends for the Wildcats. It's not hard to see why Ta'aga would be a priority for Arizona.
#1. California
Ta'aga might not even leave the state in his transfer. The 6-6 Golden Bears have shown immediate interest and for a California guy to state in the state wouldn't be shocking. California allowed 45 sacks and gained just 3.2 yards per carry this year.
Ta'aga has a great shot at day one playing time at Cal. With three seasons left, he can develop with the Bears and help them climb the ACC standings. He'd stay close to home, help out at a school with an obvious need and display his skills for future NFL evaluators. Cal makes a good deal of sense for Ta'aga.
What do you think of our portal possibilities for Kalolo Ta'aga? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below.