Michigan football just landed a major addition to its 2025 recruiting class - and it comes with a twist.
Salesi Moa, one of the top athletes in the country, flipped his commitment from Utah to Michigan, announcing his decision during the 2026 Polynesian Bowl. Moa had originally signed with the Utes during the early signing period in December, but after entering the transfer portal on January 12, he’s now headed to Ann Arbor. And make no mistake - this is a big-time get for the Wolverines.
Ranked No. 76 overall in the 2026 class and the top player in Utah, Moa is a dynamic, do-it-all athlete with the kind of versatility that makes college coaches salivate. He was initially committed to Tennessee as a wide receiver and took a handful of visits during the fall, including a key stop in Ann Arbor.
Ultimately, he signed with Utah - where his father, Ben Moa, once played tight end - but Michigan kept the door open. Now, they’ve walked right through it.
What makes Moa so intriguing is his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. He’s been evaluated as a wide receiver and a defensive back, and there’s real belief he could play both at the college level.
At the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this month, he lined up primarily at receiver. But for the Polynesian Bowl, he was listed as a defensive back - a nod to his two-way potential.
Scouts are high on his upside, especially at receiver. He’s been called the best pure pass-catcher to come out of Utah since Puka Nacua back in 2019 - and that’s no small compliment.
Moa has a knack for high-pointing the football, runs crisp routes, and makes the tough catches look routine. His fluidity and body control stand out, especially in tight coverage situations.
On the defensive side, he brings elite athleticism and a high football IQ. Whether it’s at corner, safety, or nickel, Moa has the instincts and physicality to make plays. He’s not just a finesse guy - he hits with authority, plays with an edge, and brings real value as a perimeter blocker when lined up on offense.
According to scouting reports, Moa is a technically sound route runner who knows how to shift gears and create separation. He’s elusive after the catch, showing off the kind of short-area quickness and vision that can turn a routine play into something explosive. While he may not have true breakaway speed yet, his game is built on precision, effort, and a competitive edge that shows up on tape.
And that’s what makes this flip so significant for Michigan. Moa isn’t just a top-100 recruit - he’s the kind of athlete who can tilt the field, whether he’s catching passes, breaking up throws, or doing both. The Wolverines have had their share of standout two-way prospects in the past, and Moa fits right into that mold.
With his commitment now official, Michigan adds a high-upside, high-motor athlete to a class that’s already shaping up to be strong. Whether he ends up at receiver, defensive back, or in a hybrid role, Moa’s presence gives the Wolverines another difference-maker - and a player who could be making noise in the Big Ten sooner rather than later.