Just a few weeks ago, Tennessee fans were buzzing about the possibility of landing one of the most dynamic athletes in the 2026 recruiting class - Salesi Moa. The five-star standout had all the tools: elite athleticism, versatility on both sides of the ball, and a national profile that made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country. At one point, it looked like Knoxville would be his next stop.
But that script flipped late in the process. Moa ultimately signed with Utah during the Early Signing Period, choosing to follow in the footsteps of his father, a former Ute himself. It was a deeply personal decision, and one that made sense given his family ties and the program’s recent success under longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Then came the twist.
Whittingham made a surprise move to Michigan, taking over the Wolverines' top job in a coaching carousel few saw coming. And now, the ripple effect is hitting the recruiting trail. According to EJ Holland, Moa could be following his former future head coach to Ann Arbor - despite already signing with Utah.
Yes, you read that right. Even though Moa put pen to paper with the Utes, the situation remains fluid. With Whittingham now leading the charge at Michigan, there’s legitimate buzz that Moa could pivot once again and suit up in maize and blue.
This isn’t just a case of a player chasing a coach. Moa’s connection to Whittingham clearly runs deep, and Michigan’s recent move to bring in a proven winner like Whittingham has injected new energy into a program already riding high. For Moa, the opportunity to play in the Big Ten under a coach he trusts may be enough to prompt another change of plans.
As for Tennessee, it looks like they’re officially out of the picture. Despite being a former Vols commit, there’s no indication that Moa is reconsidering a return to Rocky Top. That’s a tough pill to swallow for Tennessee fans who once envisioned him as a centerpiece of their 2026 class.
Moa, who was recruited as both a wide receiver and a safety, is expected to line up on offense at the next level. His size, speed, and playmaking ability made him a top-100 national prospect and one of the most versatile athletes in the cycle. Wherever he ends up - whether he sticks with Utah or makes the leap to Michigan - he’s poised to make an impact early.
Tennessee, for its part, still put together a strong 2026 class, headlined by quarterback Faizon Brandon, offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda, and linebacker Tristen Keys. But there’s no sugarcoating it - losing Moa and fellow top recruit Legend Bey (who signed with Ohio State) took some shine off what could’ve been a top-tier haul.
Now, all eyes are on Moa once again. The ink may be dry on his Utah letter of intent, but in today’s college football landscape - where coaching changes, NIL opportunities, and player movement are more fluid than ever - nothing feels truly final until a player suits up on Saturdays.
And with Whittingham now calling the shots in Ann Arbor, Michigan just might be the next stop in Salesi Moa’s winding recruitment journey.