Utah AD Mark Harlan Criticized for Social Media Post on Football Signee

Mark Harlan, the Athletic Director at the University of Utah, faced criticism for a social media post regarding a football signee. This incident unfolded shortly after Salesi Moa, a highly regarded freshman, entered the transfer portal just one week after joining the university.

Backlash Over Social Media Comments

Harlan responded to speculation about Moa’s commitment on January 16. In his now-deleted post, he remarked on Moa’s brief time at Utah, stating, “Well, he was with us in class for a (last) week. Public announcement seen it all now (probably not).” This comment sparked significant backlash from fans and sports commentators.

Moa’s Football Journey

• Salesi Moa is a five-star prospect from Fremont High School.
• He was ranked as the No. 2 athlete in the Rivals 300.
• Moa initially joined Utah as part of a class of 17 newcomers in December.
• His commitment came during a period of transition for Utah’s football program.

Moa was recruited by former Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham, who recently signed a five-year contract with the University of Michigan. As a result, notable players, including sack leader John Henry Daley, have also shifted their commitments to Michigan, along with Utah’s offensive coordinator.

Community Reaction

The online community reacted strongly to Harlan’s comments. Many users, particularly those from BYU, referenced a previous incident where Harlan criticized Big 12 officials. They questioned his sincerity regarding Moa’s potential departure, suggesting it was disingenuous for Harlan to express disappointment over a recruit’s commitment.

The controversy highlights the ongoing dialogue around player commitments in college football, especially during a time of increased transfer portal usage.

Future Announcements

Salesi Moa is expected to make a formal announcement about his football future during the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, which will be broadcast on NFL Network. This upcoming decision will likely attract attention from various college programs.