Morikawa burst onto the scene when he won the 2020 US PGA Championship in only his second appearance at a major.
He backed that up by winning the Open at Royal St George’s in 2021, but has won just once on the PGA Tour since.
As the only player to shoot all three rounds under par so far this week, it appears he managed to unlock his game at the right time.
He will likely have to do his best on Sunday to replace the world’s top-ranked player, Scheffler, who has won two of his previous three events.
“It’s been a struggle the last few years,” Morikawa said. “I had to search and find something. It didn’t happen. [always] It’s been fun, but it’s been fun learning more about the game and about myself.
“Scottie is the number one player in the world for a reason and what he has done is incredible.
“But that doesn’t scare me. I always know what I can do best and what I really believe I can do.”
Morikawa will be in the final group with the 2022 Masters champion – 7:35 p.m. BST start – after Scheffler rode a rollercoaster round of one-under 71.
After birdieing the first and sinking a huge birdie putt at the third, he made a double bogey at the 10th and a bogey at the 11th to lose three points of the lead.
However, he let out an uncharacteristic roar of triumph after sinking a 31-foot eagle putt on the 13th and birdied the final hole to ensure he took the lead into Sunday.
“You saw a bit of emotion in me because it was an important moment of the tournament,” he said. “It was nice to be able to get some shots back.
“The golf course was extremely challenging and difficult. I’m really excited about [Sunday]”.
As for Aberg, who will play in the penultimate group, this is not only his first Masters, it is his first major tournament overall, since he only turned professional in June 2023.
He was part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team in October and, three shots behind, will enter the final round looking to become the first debutant to win since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
“I think about it all the time,” he said. “I’m obviously a competitor and I want to win tournaments.”
The 24-year-old said he took “calculated risks” but was “disciplined towards goals” as he plotted his path.
“I don’t think you should be afraid. I’m trying to accept it and be OK with everything that comes with it,” he added.
There will be live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website and app from 8:00 p.m., with live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app from 6:30 p.m.