Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham isn't just settling into his new office in Ann Arbor; he's making his presence known in the Big Ten.
Most recently, Whittingham and the Wolverines have emerged as one of the contenders for three-star linebacker Aisea Moa, who just spent a season with none other than the Michigan State Spartans.
After starting his career with the BYU Cougars, Moa decided to bring his talents to the Big Ten, and now, Whittingham has a chance to poach the blue-chip transfer from Michigan's little brother.
Kyle Whittingham already bullying Michigan State
For years, the Michigan Wolverines have punked the Michigan State Spartans, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Moa would be just the latest example of the Wolverines shoving the Spartans into a locker.
In 2025, Moa played in just eight games for Michigan State, but easily amassed 12 total tackles (nine solo) and one pass deflection as the Spartans struggled to find their footing.
A four-star prospect coming out of high school in 2023, Moa is now a three-star linebacker who is a top-200 transfer portal prospect for the position. Since starting his collegiate career at BYU, he has earned 29 total tackles, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.
Michigan has offered Michigan State transfer linebacker Aisea Moa, per a source. The former four-star recruit has several options on the table, and there is strong familiarity with the new Wolverines staff: https://t.co/W9g7HgJLhb pic.twitter.com/gFX7FHdVpc
— Blair Angulo (@BlairAngulo) January 8, 2026
Since taking over the program, Whittingham has brought in seven players from the portal, including four-star edge John Henry Daley and three-star running back Taylor Tatum, alongside five other blue-chip prospects.
However, the Wolverines have lost 25 players since the portal officially opened, landing Michigan's transfer portal class at No. 68 in the country and No. 18 (yes, dead last) in the Big Ten.
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Landing a transfer commitment from someone like Moa could be just the thing to tip the recruiting scales in Michigan's direction and open the floodgates for Whittingham to officially turn things around in Ann Arbor.