All signs are pointing to Michigan adding late 4-star playmaker from the 2026 class

Michigan is one day away from potentially adding one of the biggest prizes in the transfer portal.

Salesi Moa, who signed with Utah and was ranked as the No. 2 athlete in the 2026 recruiting class, will announce the school he will transfer to during the Polynesian Bowl on Friday from Hawaii. Moa, who also committed to Tennessee for a short time during this recruiting cycle, is expected to sign with the Wolverines and play for Kyle Whittingham.

Salesi Moa is the playmaker Michigan needs

Moa has the potential to be the sort of foundational talent that could define Whittingham's early tenure with the Wolverines. He is a dynamic athlete that could be a top wide receiver or a shut-down cornerback. Where he'll play probably depends as much on his preference as anything, but does Bryce Underwood need a top young receiver to throw to? Yes, he does and Moa might be that guy.

Moa flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Utah back in November and signed with the Utes during the Early Signing Period. About a week after Moa's signing, Whittingham announced he was stepping down as head coach of Utah after 21 seasons. Moa annoiunced he was entering the transfer portal earlier this week and it's easy to connect the dots. 

Now the blue-chip prospect from Ogden, Utah just has to make it official.

When will the transfer portal close?

January 15 marked the end of a three-day dead period and tomorrow (January 16) is the deadline for players to enter the portal. With a surprise coaching change coming in late December, Michigan has had some significant roster turnover, with over a dozen additions through the portal and nearly 30 players electing to leave Ann Arbor.

Although the portal officially closes tomorrow, visits and signings of players already in the portal will continue through the weekend and beyond. Expect Whittingham and staff to continue to look for ways to improve and add depth to the Wolverines roster over this period.