Salesi Moa, a top wide receiver recruit, has committed to the University of Michigan, following his former coach Kyle Whittingham from Utah in a significant transfer move announced on January 16, 2026. The announcement was made during the Polynesian Bowl in Honolulu, where Moa revealed his decision to join the Wolverines after entering the transfer portal earlier in the week.
Moa, originally a signee with Utah, entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 12, 2026, just days before his commitment. He had initially committed to Tennessee before flipping to Utah in early December, but Whittingham’s departure from the Utes on December 12 prompted Moa to reconsider his options. The coaching change under new Utah head coach Morgan Scalley was a key factor in his decision to seek a transfer, leading him to limit contact to previous recruiters.
Kyle Whittingham, who left Utah after 21 seasons to become Michigan’s head coach on December 26, has quickly begun reshaping the Wolverines’ roster. His hiring came after the firing of former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore in December due to an investigation, and Whittingham’s move has attracted several former Utah players to follow him. Moa’s commitment is part of this trend, highlighting Whittingham’s influence in recruiting and the strategic rebuilding of Michigan’s football program.
As a recruit, Salesi Moa is ranked as ESPN’s No. 6 wide receiver and No. 38 overall prospect in the 2026 class. According to 247 Sports, he is the No. 1 player in Utah, the No. 3 athlete nationally, and No. 45 overall. During his senior season at Fremont High School in Utah, Moa recorded 63 catches for 1,272 yards and 16 touchdowns, demonstrating his playmaking ability. Scouts describe him as a technically advanced route runner with slick athleticism, capable of contributing immediately at the Power Four level, potentially as a wide receiver.
Moa’s addition significantly bolsters Michigan’s offensive weapons for quarterback Bryce Underwood. He joins a receiving corps that already includes transfers like former Texas wideout Jaime Ffrench Jr. and former Utah tight end JJ Buchanan. The Wolverines have focused on surrounding Underwood with talent, also retaining key offensive linemen and adding running back Savion Hiter, a five-star recruit, to create a more dynamic offense for the upcoming seasons.
Family connections played a role in Moa’s decision, as his uncle, Lewis Powell, is an edge coach who followed Whittingham to Michigan. Additionally, Moa’s brother, Aisea, a linebacker formerly at Michigan State, is being targeted by the Wolverines, potentially reuniting the siblings. This move continues a pattern of Utah players transferring to Michigan, including defensive standouts like John Henry Daley, Jonah Lea’ea, and Smith Snowden, all of whom have joined Whittingham in Ann Arbor.
The transfer portal has become a critical aspect of college football roster management, and Moa’s case exemplifies how coaching changes can drive player movement. With the early signing period closing on December 5, Moa’s late flip and subsequent transfer underscore the fluid nature of modern recruiting. Michigan’s aggressive approach in the portal under Whittingham aims to rebuild the team quickly after recent turmoil, leveraging existing relationships to secure top talent.
Looking ahead, Salesi Moa is expected to enroll at Michigan and compete for playing time as a freshman. His commitment enhances the Wolverines’ 2026 class, which now features three top-40 recruits, including five-star defensive end Carter Meadows and running back Savion Hiter. For Moa, reuniting with familiar coaches and potentially his brother provides a supportive environment to develop his skills at the collegiate level, while Michigan gains a promising athlete to strengthen its roster for future competitions.
