After years of waiting, Michigan football finally has its five-star wide receiver. And while the path to get there wasn’t exactly conventional, the end result is what matters in Ann Arbor.
Salesi Moa, one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2026 class, is officially a Wolverine-and now officially a five-star talent. Originally a short-term signee with Utah, Moa entered the transfer portal after his brother made the move to Michigan. That opened the door for Jim Harbaugh’s staff to pounce, and the Wolverines landed one of the most versatile athletes in the country.
At the time of his commitment to Michigan, Moa carried a four-star rating. But following the final 2026 Rivals rankings update, he’s earned that coveted fifth star. It's a major recruiting win for Michigan, and one that could reshape the future of its offense.
A Do-It-All Athlete with Game-Changing Speed
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 190 pounds, Moa brings a rare blend of size, speed, and versatility. He’s capable of lining up at wide receiver or cornerback, and he’s made it clear he intends to play both sides of the ball. That kind of two-way talent is rare at the college level, and it’s a big reason he was ranked as the top athlete in the portal.
Moa’s speed isn’t just good-it’s elite. He clocked an 11.00-second 100-meter dash as a sophomore in 2024, according to 247 Sports. That kind of burst has been missing from Michigan’s receiving corps for years, and Moa’s arrival injects the kind of explosiveness that can stretch defenses and open up the playbook.
Outshining the Rival
To add another layer of intrigue, Moa’s rise in the rankings now places him ahead of Ohio State signee Chris Henry-at least according to Rivals. That’s not just a personal win for Moa; it’s a symbolic one for Michigan in the ever-intense recruiting battle with the Buckeyes. Landing a higher-rated prospect at a skill position is the kind of momentum swing that matters in The Game and beyond.
A New-Look Receiver Room for Bryce Underwood
The bigger picture here is what Moa’s commitment means for the Wolverines’ offensive future. Michigan has quietly built a deep and talented wide receiver room, giving freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood a loaded arsenal to work with from day one.
Moa is expected to make an immediate impact, but he won’t be alone. Fellow freshman Travis Johnson is another day-one contributor, and the sophomore trio of Andrew Marsh, JJ Buchanan, and Jaime French gives Michigan a legitimate five-deep rotation. That’s the kind of depth and talent Michigan hasn’t seen at the position since the Braylon Edwards era.
It’s not just about star ratings-it’s about fit, versatility, and upside. And Moa checks every box. Whether he’s catching passes, locking down opposing receivers, or simply creating mismatches with his athleticism, he’s the kind of player who can change games-and seasons.
For Michigan fans, the long wait for a five-star receiver is over. Salesi Moa is here. And he’s just getting started.