Utah AD Mark Harlan’s Tweet on Salesi Moa Sparks Controversy
Recent news surrounding the University of Utah’s football program has stirred significant discussion, particularly relating to the transfer of athlete Salesi Moa. Athletic Director Mark Harlan made headlines on social media after comments regarding Moa’s decision to enter the transfer portal.
Salesi Moa Enters Transfer Portal
Salesi Moa, a four-star prospect from Fremont High School, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The athlete, previously committed to the University of Utah, switched schools from Tennessee during the early signing period and enrolled in January.
Moa’s departure from Utah was confirmed earlier this week by Blair Angulo from 247 Sports. He is currently ranked as the No. 45 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
Mark Harlan’s Reaction
In response to the transfer news, Mark Harlan expressed his thoughts on social media platform X. His now-deleted tweet stated, “Well, he was with us in class for a week. Public announcement…seen it all now (probably not).” This comment drew mixed reactions, becoming a topic of humor among fans.
Coaching Changes at Utah
Harlan’s comments come during a period of significant changes within the Utah football program. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham has accepted a position at the University of Michigan, creating a ripple effect throughout the Utes’ athletic team.
With Whittingham’s exit, several coaching staff members and players have also transferred to Michigan, leading to further instability at Utah. This shift has prompted discussions among fans and analysts about the future of the program.
The Status of Salesi Moa
Salesi Moa is expected to announce his new commitment during the Polynesian Bowl. This event will be broadcast Friday night on NFL Network at 7 p.m. MST. Notably, Moa has entered the portal with a “do not contact” designation, suggesting he has a predetermined destination for his next move, which many speculate will be Michigan.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
- Transfer portal opened on January 2.
- Deadline for entering the portal is January 12.
- Players can commit to new schools anytime after the window closes.
The current landscape of college athletics, driven by name, image, likeness (NIL) agreements, continues to evolve, complicating the dynamics of player transfers. Recent high-profile transfers, such as Demond Williams Jr. from Washington, highlight the ongoing changes in collegiate sports.
As Utah navigates these transitions, the reliance on social media for announcements and reactions becomes increasingly significant in shaping public perception and engagement.
