5 recruits who can still take Michigan's 2026 class to the next level

Michigan football missed on Calvin Russell this past weekend, but here are five key targets still on the board.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, center, speaks to players after the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, center, speaks to players after the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Salesi Moa, athlete

While there aren't any other targets on the board who could fill the role of Russell on the offensive side of the ball, there is one dude talented enough to be in the same conversation.

That's Salesi Moa.

Moa is out of Ogden, Utah. He's 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, and is ranked 50th overall in the 2026 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.

Michigan has been pushing to land the elite athlete at safety. He had 40 tackles and two interceptions in 2024. He also returned both interceptions for touchdowns. Yet, he was dominant as a receiver, too, catching 58 passes for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 820 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore, plus an interception.

Moa also runs 10.7 in the 100-meter dash. There aren't many athletes in the 2026 class better than him. If the Wolverines start pushing for him on the offensive side of the ball, it could help, and he would be another dynamic weapon for Bryce Underwood.

The blue-chipper could also be an elite defensive back. He was expected to announce a commitment this week, but delayed it. Utah is the favorite. Steve Wiltfong projected the Utes to get Moa on July 3rd, but if Michigan allows him to play both sides of the ball, it could be a game-changer.