The Michigan Wolverines just made a move that adds depth and familiarity to their linebacker room, landing former Michigan State linebacker Aisea Moa out of the transfer portal. And in a twist that brings things full circle, this isn’t Moa’s first connection to Ann Arbor - or to Michigan’s new defensive coordinator, Jay Hill.
Let’s unpack this one.
Moa, a former four-star recruit out of Utah in the 2022 class, started his college career at BYU under Jay Hill. Now, a few years and a couple of stops later, he reunites with his former coach in a system he already knows. That’s a big plus for a Michigan defense in transition.
After limited action in his first two collegiate seasons - just five games total - Moa saw his role expand in 2024. He played in 12 games that year, recording 16 tackles and forcing a fumble. It wasn’t eye-popping production, but it was a clear step forward.
Then came the transfer to Michigan State for the 2025 season. Moa appeared in eight games for the Spartans but didn’t quite carve out a major role, finishing with 12 tackles and a single pass breakup. It was a quieter season, but the tools are there - and Michigan clearly sees value in his experience.
This addition comes at a time when the Wolverines are looking to reload at linebacker. They’ve lost a lot of production this offseason, with Ernest Hausmann, Jimmy Rolder, Cole Sullivan, and Jaydon Hood all moving on. And while Michigan swung big in the portal - targeting names like Cade Uluave and Rasheem Biles - they didn’t land those top-tier options.
Enter Moa. He may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but he brings something Michigan needs: experience in Hill’s defensive scheme and the ability to contribute right away in a depth role. That kind of familiarity can go a long way, especially in a room that’s being reshaped on the fly.
And there’s a family connection here too. Aisea won’t be the only Moa in maize and blue - his younger brother, Salesi Moa, is also transferring to Michigan after a brief stint at Utah.
Salesi, a true freshman who plays wide receiver and defensive back, adds versatility and upside to the roster. The brothers will now suit up together in Ann Arbor, bringing a little extra chemistry to the locker room.
While Moa’s arrival helps Michigan, it also reflects the broader movement across college football this offseason. Kyle Whittingham and the Utah Utes, for example, have been busy in the portal themselves, pulling in 18 new players - including Salesi Moa, before his quick exit - as well as additions from schools like Pitt, UNLV, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado State.
But for Michigan, the focus is on building a defense that can hold up in the Big Ten gauntlet. With so many key pieces departing and a new coordinator taking over, every addition matters - especially one that already speaks the language of the system.
Aisea Moa may not be the flashiest pickup of the offseason, but he’s a smart one. He brings experience, scheme familiarity, and a chance to contribute right away. For a Wolverines defense in transition, that’s a welcome piece of the puzzle.