Michigan State football adds important LB transfer

Jan. 9 is the final day for transfers to enroll at their new schools and the Michigan State football staff stays hot on the trail putting the finishing touches on the winter transfer window. On Monday, the Spartans added linebacker Aisea Moa by way of BYU.

LOCKED IN SPARTAN NATION !! #GOGREEN 🔋🔋 pic.twitter.com/vSXcwEsu9B

— Aisea Moa (@aiseamoa_8) January 6, 2025

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker committed to Michigan State defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa and the rest of the staff following an official visit this past weekend.

Moa was a composite four-star recruit in the 2022 class and spent his first few years at BYU. In 2024, he tallied 16 tackles and one forced fumble on 150 snaps. According to PFF, Moa had seven QB pressures and an 84.2 coverage grade. Impressive given BYU finished the year in the top 15 for total defense.

As for why he chose the Spartans, he said, “Mainly the coaches. They are awesome and it’s a great environment up there and they are building a special culture.”

The Spartans continue to recruit the portal to fill positions of need following a lackluster 5-7 season. One of those needs involves the pass rush. After logging only 19 sacks on the year with a historically bad stretch of zero sacks, the team needed to add pass rush help this offseason. Moa could fit as the ‘stand up edge’ position featured in defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s scheme. 

The Spartans also added linebacker David Santiago and edge rusher Anelu Lafaele earlier in December. All three are seen as guys who can play the stand-up edge role Rossi deploys. Michigan State football should be in a much better position to get after the quarterback this fall.

Another interesting note regarding Moa’s commitment comes in the form of his brother, Salesi Moa. Salesi was offered by the Spartans on Friday and is a member of the 2026 class ranked 38th nationally according to 247Sports. Listed as an athlete, he projects as a cornerback or receiver at the next level.  Something to keep in mind as high school recruiting picks up later this year.

We’re only six days into the year but I’m already excited for the fall.