In a surprising and seismic move within the college football landscape, Brigham Young University’s starting defensive tackle, Joshua Singh, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound junior from Rancho Cucamonga, California, made the announcement Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves through Cougar Nation and raising questions about the future of BYU’s defensive front.
Singh, a three-star recruit turned breakout star, anchored BYU’s defensive line during the 2024 season. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and cerebral understanding of offensive schemes, Singh notched 49 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks — the highest among interior linemen in the Big 12. His presence in the trenches disrupted offenses week after week, and his leadership helped shape a young and promising front seven.
His decision to enter the portal appears to stem from a combination of factors, sources close to the program say — among them, a coaching staff reshuffle, NIL opportunities elsewhere, and aspirations to play in a scheme better suited to his hybrid style of play. Singh thrives in an aggressive, attacking front — and while BYU’s base 4-3 gave him a platform to shine, whispers of a shift to a more conservative, read-and-react scheme may have influenced his decision.
“Joshua was the heart of our defensive line,” said defensive coordinator Trent Lovell, visibly emotional during a press availability. “His work ethic, his presence in the locker room, and his game-day fire — that’s not something you can just replace overnight.”
As soon as Singh’s name hit the portal, programs across the country began circling. Insiders report interest from several SEC and Big Ten powerhouses, with early frontrunners including LSU, Michigan, and USC — the latter offering a homecoming opportunity just an hour from Singh’s hometown.
Fans and teammates alike took to social media to express their support, with BYU linebacker Isaiah Fa’amoe tweeting, “Nothing but love for my brother @JoshSingh97. Gonna miss that beast next to me on Saturdays. Wherever you go, eat!”
Singh has not released a statement indicating where he may land, but his brief message on Instagram read: “BYU, thank you for believing in me. It’s been a ride I’ll never forget. Time to turn the page. #Grateful #TransferPortal”
Though BYU loses a defensive cornerstone, Singh’s departure also casts a spotlight on the growing power of the transfer portal and how it reshapes rosters with the click of a button. For Singh, this is the next step in a journey that began as a redshirt freshman buried on the depth chart — and now sees him sought after by some of college football’s elite.
The portal giveth, the portal taketh. For Joshua Singh, the future is wide open — and his next destination could very well set the tone for a dominant final chapter before the NFL comes calling.
