SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — University of Utah Athletic Director Mark Harlan’s response on social media caused backlash after a football signee entered the transfer portal after only one week on campus.
Harlan responded to a social media post suggesting that former Utah high school football star Salesi Moa, an incoming freshman, could flip his commitment to Utah on Friday, Jan. 16.
“Well, he was with us in class for a (last) week. Public announcement seen it all now (probably not),” Harlan wrote in a deleted social media post.
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MORE | Kyle Whittingham Leaves Utah:
Moa was one of 17 newcomers welcomed to the Utah football program by former Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham during college football’s early signing period in early December.
After the Wolverines announced on Dec. 26 that they had agreed to a five-year contract with Kyle Whittingham, several Utah players, including 2025 Utes sack leader John Henry Daley, flipped their commitments to Michigan. Utah’s offensive coordinator also followed Whittingham to Ann Arbor and will serve in the same role with the Wolverines.
Online reaction suggested Harlan was calling out Moa’s reported decision to potentially follow Whittingham to Michigan after signing with Utah and attending classes.
In the comments on Harlan’s post, BYU fans pointed to a 2024 press conference in which he was fined for criticizing Big 12 officials, claiming Utah’s game against the Cougars was “absolutely stolen.”
“Let me guess, you were excited to have him at Utah, but now you’re not? That recruit was stolen from you, right?” one comment read.
Moa is expected to announce where he will play football next during the 2026 Polynesian Bowl on NFL Network on Friday night.
According to the University of Utah, Moa was a five-star prospect out of Fremont HS and was the No. 2-ranked athlete in the Rivals 300.
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