Anyone else still pretty surprised that the Tennessee football team was able to pull this one off? Trust us when we say that you're not alone here. In a complete and total stunner on Thursday afternoon, 5-star safety/receiver Salesi Moa committed to the Vols.
Just unreal. With Moa being a Utah legacy and him currently living there too, a lot of us thought he was a lock to commit to the Utes. Instead, Josh Heupel kept working overtime to land him and his efforts paid off in the best way possible.
This is also amazing news for Tennessee's 2026 class overall, which is now ranked No. 9 in the country. Yup, prior to Moa announcing his decision, the Vols' class checked in at No. 12 per 247Sports, but it has since flown into the Top 10 thanks to the Moa addition:
With the addition of 5-star Salesi Moa @salesimoa8 for Tennessee, Josh Heupel and the Vols now have the No. 9 ranked class in the country. This gets even better #GBO https://t.co/2iDT818QWV pic.twitter.com/qB94xnLuOg
— All For Tennessee (@allfortennessee) July 31, 2025
Tennessee now has the No. 9 ranked class in the country with Salesi Moa on board
Moa gives the Vols its third 5-star pledge for '26, as he joins quarterback Faizon Brandon and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda. Would now be a good time to remind you that Tristen Keys and Savion Hiter are also high on the Vols and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Heupel sign them too?
Hiter is announcing his decision later this month, while Keys is committed to LSU, but the Vols are working to change his mind. As for Moa, the 6-2, 190-pounder is rated a 98.5 by the 247Sports Composite, which is why Tennessee was able to make such a big jump in the rankings.
He committed to Tennessee over fellow finalists Utah, Washington, Michigan and Michigan State. He's ranked the No. 2 athlete in the country, but the expectation is that he'll be an offensive playmaker for Heupel and line up at receiver.
It wasn't long ago that Tennessee's '26 haul was on the outside looking in of the Top 25, but now they're sitting pretty at No. 9. If things work out perfectly with Keys and Hiter, then the Vols could end up finishing in the Top 5. For now, everyone can celebrate the Moa pledge, as it was a monstrous get for Heupel and his staff.