Utah Football Welcomes Transfer Addition Dilan Battle to Bolster Defensive Line
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – In a strategic move to enhance their defensive line, Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff announced the addition of Dilan Battle, a promising transfer from the LSU program. Battle, a 6-foot-2, 313-pound defensive tackle from Arlington, Texas, officially committed to the Utes on Friday.
Initially, Battle was a highly sought-after recruit, committing to LSU under coach Brian Kelly last August after turning down offers from top-tier schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Miami. Ranking as the No. 76 defensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class according to 247Sports, Battle entered the transfer portal this spring, maintaining four years of eligibility.
Utah is addressing crucial gaps in their defensive line following the departure of two starters—Junior Tafuna, who signed with the Houston Texans, and Keanu Tanuvasa, who transferred to BYU. Returning players Dallas Vakalahi and Aliki Vimahi are set to return, but the addition of Battle is a significant bolster to the roster.
Battle’s connection with Utah runs deeper, as he was previously teammates with three-star safety prospect Nate Tilmon at Mansfield Timberview High School in Texas. As part of Utah’s 2025 recruiting class, the team is also adding two other defensive linemen: Karson Kaufusi from Skyline High (Utah) and Sione Motuapuaka from Bishop Gorman (Nevada).
Dilan Battle marks the fourth transfer acquisition for Utah this spring, joining cornerbacks JC Hart (Auburn) and Jaylen Moson (Furman), as well as wide receiver Larry Simmons (Southern Miss). With these strategic additions, the Utes look prepared to enhance their defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
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