One year is an eternity in College Football. The Michigan Wolverines went from the Natty merely a year ago to drifting in the abyss of B1G mediocrity. A fabled program such as this maize and blue behemoth cannot afford blips like this. A turnover of staff that transpired into a first-year HC taking the helm doesn’t absolve them either. 2024 was doomed from early October, if not prior. So, the recruitment landscape for 2025 has admittedly been at the forefront of the fanbase and Sherrone Moore alike. Well, they say the night is darkest before dawn. This labored cliche seems to be ringing true in Ann Arbor.

The long-drawn saga of no.1 recruit Bryce Underwood’s landing spot fell in Michigan’s favor. A massive proponent of their downturn this season was indeed due to their JJ McCarthy-shaped QB void. With personnel issues under center seemingly resolved, Sherrone Moore’s focus has pivoted to the supporting cast. Protection for freshman Underwood is a requisite need. The transfer portal has presented a means to fulfill this need and bolster the offensive line.

O-Tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe has been identified as a potential piece to bring to Ann Arbor via the portal. Primarily a right tackle, Fa’amoe has left Washington State. Despite murmurs of declaring for the draft, with a Day 2 grade, no less, he’s returning for his final year of collegiate eligibility. With this caliber preceding him, it’s not a surprise that Fa’alili Fa’amoe is highly coveted by other schools. However, a couple of revered Michigan fans aren’t deterred in urging Sherrone Moore to pursue him.

In a video on the ROC Boys Football YouTube channel, the two hosts were in unison about their assessment of Fa’amoe.“It’s so hard to find starting caliber tackles in the transfer portal. You certainly have one with Fa’alili Fa’amoe…You add this guy and my worries are completely gone about what the tackle play’s gonna look like. Because you got a plug-and-play guy” said Jason Piacelli. He elaborated on how much of an effect acquiring their man could have on the offensive production.

“[Michigan are] building up some healthy competition and depth in that offensive tackle room…So like, all [the] conversations about what the passing attack is going to look like with Bryce Underwood? One of the best things we consistently say is, ‘Hey, let’s give Bryce Underwood a really good run game.’ [Fa’alili Fa’amoe] will help that out in a massive way.” he said.  As is with everything that seems ideal, the path for Sherrone Moore in this recruitment is not linear. He’s gonna have to compete for Fa’amoe with a fellow B1G adversary in Matt Rhule and his Huskers.

Sherrone Moore and Michigan are currently behind the 8-ball for Fa’amoe

Nebraska is currently leading the charge to obtain Fa’alili Fa’amoe’s services. He even visited the facility in Lincoln last week. A young, high-ceiling quarterback is a common theme between the Huskers and Wolverines. Accentuating Dylan Raiola’s game is a remit for Rhule, and he seems to be tracking well. With the Huskers getting the first official visit, the signs do bode well for them. 

Sherrone Moore isn’t lacking far behind, though. The Big House has also logged an official visit from Fa’amoe. Coach Moore and his staff will have an opportunity to lure the player. He’s also visiting LSU. With 3 blueblood or blueblood-adjacent programs in pursuit, Fa’alili Fa’amoe has a huge decision at hand. One that could well be career-altering, with the NFL beckoning.

Growing pains under a first-year HC are reasonable. Jim Harbaugh did leave a tough act to follow for his successor. However, an upturn for Michigan is necessitated, especially with the amount of NIL money spent. Flexing their proverbial firepower and landing a talent like Fa’amoe will be a step in the right direction for the Sherrone Moore era in Ann Arbor.