When we look back at the Michigan football transfer portal haul of 2026, the prize is going to be Salesi Moa, and it might not be that close.
There are other quality players in the Wolverines' transfer portal haul. Moa, John Henry-Daley, and Smith Snowden were each highly-touted prospects along with JJ Buchanan, Taylor Tatum, and Jaime Ffrench.
However, Moa, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete, is just a different kind of player. He's ranked 23rd via Rivals among players in the transfer portal, not 2026 recruits, although he was ranked in the top 50 overall there to. He's also the No. 1-ranked athlete.
Salesi Moa has star potential for Mchigan football
Some have said that Moa, who will be a true freshman next season, will be a "year one player" such as Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider. That means a player who will make an impact in year one, which seems plausible for the former Utah signee, who intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the Polynesian Bowl, during the same game in which he committed.
A field view of the INT made by new Michigan signee Salesi Moa (@salesimoa8) in last night’s Polynesian Bowl via @SchraderOn3 #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/PZj96Baz5e
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) January 17, 2026
Moa ran an 11-second flat in the 100-meter dash as a junior. He's got the speed and explosiveness that Michigan football has been missing in the wide receiver core. He was also named the "Performer of the Week" at the Polynesian Bowl by 247 Sports. He was also the Rivals MVP.
Moa dominated during the week. He dominated during the game, and he's expected to play on both sides of the ball. I'd love to see him as a wide receiver, at least to start.
Either way, Michigan football got a player with star potential, who is just starting to scratch the surface.