The Michigan Wolverines just added another key piece to their offensive puzzle - and this one comes with both serious talent and deep family ties.
Salesi Moa, a dynamic four-star athlete out of Ogden, Utah, has committed to Michigan after entering the transfer portal earlier this week. Moa made the announcement at the Polynesian Bowl in Honolulu, signaling a major win for the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Moa is more than just a high-upside prospect - he’s one of the most coveted athletes in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 1 player in Utah, No. 3 athlete nationally, and No. 45 overall by 247Sports' composite rankings, Moa brings a versatile skill set and proven production to Ann Arbor.
This commitment marks the fifth time Michigan has landed a player or recruit with ties to Utah since Whittingham took the reins on December 26. And this one feels especially personal.
Moa’s uncle, Lewis Powell, was recently brought in as Michigan’s EDGE coach after previously working at Utah. That family connection may have helped swing the tide in Michigan’s favor - but make no mistake, Moa’s game speaks for itself.
His recruitment has been something of a whirlwind. Moa was heavily recruited by Michigan’s previous coaching staff and even visited Ann Arbor during the Wolverines’ regular-season finale against Ohio State.
At the time, he was still weighing his options, ultimately committing to Tennessee before flipping to Whittingham and Utah. But when Whittingham stepped down from his post in Salt Lake City and took the job at Michigan, the door swung wide open once again - and this time, Moa walked through it wearing maize and blue.
There’s also a chance the Moa family pipeline to Michigan isn’t done yet. Salesi’s brother, Aisea Moa - a linebacker who previously played at Michigan State - is reportedly on the Wolverines’ radar this cycle as well.
Salesi Moa is expected to line up at wide receiver in Ann Arbor, playing under former Utah wide receivers coach Micah Simon, who also made the move with Whittingham. That’s a notable shift, considering Michigan’s previous staff had recruited Moa as a defensive back. But with his offensive numbers, it’s easy to see why the current staff wants him catching passes.
Moa put up eye-popping stats during his high school career at both Weber and Fremont high schools. He finished with 226 receptions for 3,757 yards and 44 touchdowns, including a senior season that featured 63 catches, 1,272 yards (a blistering 20.2 yards per catch), and 16 touchdowns. And he wasn’t just a one-way player - Moa also recorded 57 tackles and three interceptions on defense as a senior, showcasing his all-around athleticism.
Scouting reports highlight his advanced route-running and ability to create separation, particularly on deep routes. While he may not project as a prototypical WR1, his polish and playmaking ability make him a strong candidate to become a trusted target at the Power Four level.
Michigan has been aggressive in surrounding quarterback Bryce Underwood with weapons, and Moa is the latest addition to a growing arsenal. The Wolverines have already added former Texas wideout Jaime Ffrench Jr. and tight end JJ Buchanan (another former Utah recruit) to the mix. They’ve also solidified the offensive line and backfield, bringing back five of their top OL recruits and pairing Underwood with standout running backs Jordan Marshall and five-star freshman Savion Hiter.
With Moa now in the fold, Michigan continues to show it’s not just rebuilding - it’s reloading. The Wolverines are stacking talent across the board, and if Moa’s high school production is any indication, he could be a game-changer in Ann Arbor sooner rather than later.