New Michigan Wide Receiver Draws Comparison to Roman Wilson

This freshman wide receiver is generating buzz around Schembechler Hall

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson runs the ball around Washington cornerback Dominique Hampton during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Melanie Maxwell-Imagn Images | Detroit Free Press-Imagn Images

Michigan football made an overhaul at the wide receiver position this offseason.

While standout Andrew Marsh remained with the program and is expected to be a big factor again in 2026, the Wolverines brought in three key transfers who should all see significant snaps this upcoming season, including freshman Salesi Moa, who was committed to the Utes' 2026 class before following the new staff to Ann Arbor this offseason.

A number of Michigan players have commented on how impressive the entire positions group during spring practices, but Moa in particular received comparisons to a recent Michigan great from cornerback Jyaire Hill.

Hill on Moa's game

Hill, a senior, has gone up against several high level wide receivers, both in practice at Michigan and in games against the Wolverines' competition over the past few years.

When speaking to reporters this week, Hill said he has been impressed with Moa's all-around game.

Michigan defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) intercepts a pass from quarterback Julian Sayin (10) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Salesi real nice," Hill said on Wednesday. "I was just comparing him yesterday to Roman Wilson or something like that. He's real nice." 

Hill played with Wilson in 2023 when Hill was a freshman during Michigan's national championship season coached by former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

That year, Wilson had a breakout season with JJ McCarthy delivering the ball to him for the Wolverines, finishing 2023 with 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns.

While not big in stature, Wilson thrived in the route running department at Michigan and developed into a reliable third down target for the Wolverines with the separation he was able to create on his routes through his technique and ability to catch the ball in tight windows.

Moa is a couple inches taller than Wilson, but has the same type of quick twitch ability to separate from defensive backs.

For someone as experienced as Hill to compliment Moa in the fashion of comparing him to the best receiver on the team when he was a freshman certainly seems like a good sign for the future of Moa and the potential to impact the Michigan passing game for years to come.

Andrew Marsh on Moa and freshman receiver Travis Johnson

Marsh burst onto the scene as a true freshman last season and became Bryce Underwood's most relied upon target as the year wore on.

Marsh said he's been impressed with not only Moa, but also with freshman wideout Travis Johnson when it comes to the young players in the position group.

"They've been killing it," Marsh said of Moa and Johnson. "It's crazy to see the flip side: Coming in a year ago, I was just in their position. But them coming in as freshmen, I would say they're really ahead of where I was. The way they play and attack the ball, it's really special. I'm looking forward to seeing their development." 

Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh (4) celebrates a first down against Washington during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images