Key Highlights
- Salesi Moa, a top-50 prospect and No. 1 player in Utah, is likely to transfer from the Utes.
- Michigan is considered the frontrunner for Moa’s recruitment under Kyle Whittingham’s new coaching regime.
- Moa’s decision could significantly impact Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class after several losses since Sherrone Moore’s firing.
Michigan Football: Late Splash in the 2026 Recruiting Class?
Michigan’s football program faces a turbulent period as it seeks to regain its footing in the highly competitive 2026 recruiting class. Since former coach Sherrone Moore was let go on December 10, six key players from that class have left or are considering transfers, leaving the Wolverines scrambling to secure their future.
Sherrone Moore’s Departure and Its Impact
The departure of head coach Sherrone Moore on December 10 sent ripples through Michigan’s football landscape. With six members of its 2026 class already out the door, Michigan was left with a gaping hole in its roster planning for next season. The program had to quickly adapt to new coaching leadership and recalibrate its recruitment strategy.
The Case for Salesi Moa
One player whose future is now up in the air is Salesi Moa, a standout two-way athlete from Fremont High School in Ogden, Utah. Moa, ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his state and among the top-50 nationally, signed with the University of Utah during the early signing period on December 3-5 but is now considering a transfer.
His decision has significant implications for both Michigan and Utah. With multiple staff members from the Utes following former coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan, including offensive coordinator Jason Beck, receivers coach Micah Simon, defensive ends coach Lewis Powell, and tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham, the equation in Moa’s recruitment has shifted.
Michigan’s Front Runner Status
According to The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich and other recruiting experts, Michigan now appears to be the frontrunner for Moa. This shift comes as former Utah coach Whittingham takes over in Ann Arbor with a new approach to recruiting top prospects.
Moa’s own sentiments echo this transition. “Michigan looks good there,” Marich noted, adding that the Wolverines have been actively involved in Moa’s recruitment since the previous coaching regime. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete had previously committed to Tennessee before flipping to Utah on signing day.
“I just feel like this is what God wants me to do,” Moa told Rivals during Polynesian Bowl practices. “I can’t really explain it but I feel like God wants me to play on the biggest stage out there.”
Mao’s versatility as both a receiver and defensive back could be a major asset for Michigan, making him a valuable commodity in their 2026 class. He would join other top prospects like five-star running back Savion Hiter and edge Carter Meadows, solidifying the Wolverines’ position at the top of the rankings.
Brother’s Transfer Decision
Mao’s brother, Aisea Moa, is also in the transfer portal and has expressed interest in Michigan. As a redshirt junior linebacker with 12 tackles last season for Michigan State after spending three years at BYU, Aisea could provide additional depth to Michigan’s defense.
Conclusion
The decision of Salesi Moa could be pivotal for Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class. With multiple key players leaving and new coaching leadership in place, the Wolverines are positioning themselves to make a late splash in this highly competitive cycle. The race to secure top prospects like Moa will continue, with Michigan appearing well-positioned to land a major addition to their roster.
For more updates on Michigan football and other recruiting news, follow The Michigan Insider.