After years of near-misses and wishful thinking, Michigan football finally has its five-star wide receiver - and it came in an unconventional way. Salesi Moa, one of the top athletes in the 2026 recruiting class, is officially a Wolverine, and after the final update to Rivals’ rankings, he now carries the coveted fifth star next to his name.
Originally a short-term signee with Utah, Moa made the move to Ann Arbor after his brother joined the program. Once in the portal, Michigan didn’t hesitate.
The Wolverines secured his commitment, and while he was initially slotted as a four-star, his stock has continued to rise. Now, he’s not just a key addition - he’s the kind of elite talent Michigan fans have been craving at wide receiver for over a decade.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 190 pounds, Moa is a true two-way threat. He’s made it clear he plans to contribute on both sides of the ball, and the Wolverines are more than happy to accommodate that kind of versatility. Whether lining up at receiver or locking down opposing wideouts as a corner, Moa brings a rare blend of athleticism and instinct that’s hard to find - and even harder to game-plan against.
His speed is no joke either. Back in 2024, as just a sophomore, Moa clocked an 11.00-second 100-meter dash. That kind of burst is exactly what Michigan’s receiving corps has lacked in recent years - a true burner who can stretch the field and make defensive backs sweat.
To put his rise into perspective, Moa now ranks ahead of Ohio State signee Chris Henry in Rivals’ updated rankings. That’s not just a feather in Michigan’s cap - it’s a statement. The Wolverines aren’t just keeping pace with the Buckeyes in recruiting battles; they’re starting to win them.
But Moa is just the headline of a much bigger story in Ann Arbor. Michigan has quietly - and now not-so-quietly - built one of the most intriguing wide receiver rooms in the country. He’ll join fellow freshman Travis Johnson, another instant-impact addition, along with a trio of sophomore standouts: Andrew Marsh, JJ Buchanan, and Jaime French.
Together, this group has the potential to be Michigan’s deepest and most explosive receiver unit since the Braylon Edwards era. And with top quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood set to lead the offense, the timing couldn’t be better.
For years, Michigan’s identity has been built on defense and a punishing run game. But now, with Moa and company in the mix, the Wolverines are signaling a shift. This offense is ready to open things up - and they’ve got the weapons to do it.
So yes, Michigan fans, the wait is over. The five-star receiver you’ve been dreaming about is here. And if early signs are any indication, Salesi Moa might be just the start of a new era in Ann Arbor.