Latest Wolverine pickup draws elite praise after dominant all-star week

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One of Michigan football's latest additions via the transfer portal actually has no college football experience, and it was a player the Wolverines coveted, even with the prior coaching staff.

2026 Ogden (Utah) Fremont four-star athlete Salesi Moa was a top target for the previous coaches; however, he committed to Tennessee, then Utah. However, with Utah's former coach, Kyle Whittingham, coming to Ann Arbor, it gave the Wolverines a shot, and they ultimately secured Moa — who can play on either side of the ball.

So, who is Michigan getting? A veritable playmaker. And his turn at the Polynesian Bowl (where he made his Michigan commitment) proves that.

Rivals ranked the top performers at the Polynesian Bowl, and Moa came in ranked as the alpha dog, the MVP of the event. Here's more: (subscription required)

Rivals MVP: ATH Salesi Moa — Michigan

Salesi Moa made headlines on and off the field at the Polynesian Bowl. The one-time Utah signee entered the transfer portal mid-week, and announced his commitment to Michigan during Friday’s game. On the field, Moa looked like the top defensive back on hand Hawaii. The talented athlete prospect lined up at cornerback for Team Makai and shut down his side of the field during competitive practice and Friday’s game. Moa won every rep we saw him take during 1-on-1’s in Wednesday’s practice, showing excellent fluidity, instincts, and ball skills. During the game, he quickly triggered on a route and for a would-be pick-six had he not been falsely ruled out of bounds. Though he’s expected to start out on offense in college, the top 100 prospect looks to have considerable upside on defense and could feasibly be an impact player at wide receiver, corner, or safety for the Wolverines.

As noted, Moa is expected to start out at his preferred position, wide receiver, once he gets going in Ann Arbor. However, he is so elite at pretty much every position he can play (also defensive back) that it wouldn't surprise to see him playing a Travis Hunter or Charles Woodson-type of role with the maize and blue.

Given all of the turmoil in Ann Arbor, it's a solid thing that Michigan is starting to be back in the headlines for the right reasons.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan signee Salesi Moa named Polynesian Bowl MVP

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