Grand Valley State defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs announces final six

Grand Valley State defensive tackle Jay’viar Suggs has released a new list of finalists as he seeks a new home out of the NCAA transfer portal this spring.

Arkansas, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan, USC and Wisconsin have all made the top six for Suggs, he announced on his Instagram account on Tuesday night.

Suggs has already made a number of visits, including to Florida State, Kentucky and Michigan State. Some have obviously gone better than others, as Suggs has now crossed Michigan State off his list at this point.

One of the most coveted players remaining in the NCAA transfer portal, Suggs has logged 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended in the last two seasons.

Florida State has made a favorable impression, hosting Suggs on a visit and getting into his ear about what its program can do for his future prospects. The Seminoles are coming off a stretch in which they just had two high-profile players selected in the NFL Draft: Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

Coach Odell Haggins has played a pivotal role in the recruitment.

“What stood out to me was who he is as a person,” Jay’viar Suggs said. “It’s different when you talk about yourself. But when other people talk about you, you can see what type of person they really are. His message was clear: ‘Come in, play your best and we’re gonna work.’”

USC also has a major need, something that could appeal to Suggs in the transfer process.

The Trojans’ top defensive tackle target in the portal is former Michigan State lineman Derrick Harmon. He’s taken visits to Colorado and USC, but Ohio State and Oregon remain in the picture. And recent reports state that Michigan State is still pushing to reel him back onto the roster.

Head coach Lincoln Riley didn’t shy away from stating USC’s biggest portal need earlier this spring.

“An interior defensive lineman is probably the biggest need,” Riley said. “God didn’t make many of those guys. That’s the most immediate need for us.”

USC would love to have Jay’viar Suggs, but there will be ample competition for his services.

On3’s Erik McKinney and Matt LaSerre also contributed to this report.