Wolverine TV: Breaking down five key remaining Michigan transfer portal targets

The Wolverine’s EJ Holland shares the latest on five key remaining Michigan transfer portal targets, including Washington State offensive lineman Fa’alili Fa’amoe.

Watch the full video at the end of this story.

Fa’amoe Recruitment

Fa’amoe was a little known prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. A native of American Samoa, Fa’amoe stayed hidden for the majority of his process.

Hawaii was the only school to offer Fa’amoe before former head coach Nick Rolovich took the Washington State job. As soon as that move happened, Rovolich and his staff went hard after Fa’amoe and earned his commitment on National Signing Day.

After arriving at Washington State, Fa’amoe spent two years nursing a knee injury and developing behind the scenes, adding almost 100 pounds to his frame. That transformation led to Fa’amoe transitioning from defensive end to offensive tackle.

Fa’amoe started seven games in his first season and flashed a ton of potential. Fa’amoe became a full-time starter over the next two seasons and earned some NFL Draft buzz before deciding to enter the transfer portal.

Michigan immediately made him a top priority and hosted him for a visit late last month. U-M is a finalist with a decision likely on the horizon.

Here is what Holland had to say about his recruitment.

“Michigan and Nebraska were thought to be the finalists with a decision expected this week,” Holland said. “However, Wake Forest is now a contender in this recruitment and is set to host him for a visit. Fa’amoe’s former offensive line coach at Washington State is now at Wake Forest, so it makes sense. Still, Michigan remains a strong contender here. Sherrone Moore will have to personally win this recruitment, though. Moore played offensive line and can sell leading Michigan to back-to-back Joe Moore Awards during his time as offensive line coach.”

Fa’amoe is ranked as the No. 67 overall player in the transfer portal, per On3.

Michigan has landed eight players out of the transfer portal — quarterback Mikey Keene (Fresno State), running back Justice Haynes (Alabama), linebacker Troy Bowles (Georgia), wide receiver Donaven McCulley (Indiana), offensive lineman Brady Norton (Cal Poly), cornerback Tevis Metcalf (Arkansas), safety TJ Metcalf (Arkansas) and defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. (Alabama).

Michigan has the No. 1 ranked transfer portal class in the Big Ten and No. 3 nationally, per the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index. The Wolverines currently sit behind Ole Miss and Texas Tech.