Official 2026 Roster Movement Thread - Who's In and Who's Out?

[TwistingMyMelon]

Jackson was a very good receiver for us. Tough as nails and pretty good hands. Spencer was a decent complement, but there wasn't a guy with consistent deep speed to open things up even more. I imagine it was hoped Dylan Wright would be that guy but it was not to be.

During one of the games last season, an announcer said one of the truest things about Jackson: he must lead the league in combat catches. He meant the kinds of catches made while a defender was draped all over him.

Dylan Wright was occasionally that guy (deep threat) but simply wasn't often enough. We might have a chance with Smith. We'll see next season.

 

[btowngopher]

Why not? I'd take a guy with 900 rushing yards and 13 TDs as a backup running back any day.

Do you think our current backups could put up those numbers for UND?

 

[minnyrules11]

Run it back, Anthony. We have a pig and jug to win!

And unfortunately the Governors Bell. Put that in the hall of fame already.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

And unfortunately the Governors Bell. Put that in the hall of fame already.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

I was one of the guys who complained, early on, that in 2019 we weren't throwing to the TEs and RBs enough--that our offense wasn't diversified. But I think the OC saw what he had in those three wide receivers and just poured it on. He fed the big dogs every chance he got. The WRs were often wide open and got lots of YAC in quick hitting RPO plays (at which Tanner excelled). And all three were very good at winning downfield contested catches. And to top it off, we had Rodney Smith, Shannon Brooks and Mo Ibrahim as our 1, 2 and 3 running backs! The threat they posed kept defenses honest, opening up the field for our receiving corps. When it was happening, I didn't appreciate how special that receiving corp--and that entire offense--was. I sure do now!

You're 100% right. I'd rather go max protect and give TJ or Bateman another .5 seconds to get open then dump the ball down to Rodney Smith for a 2 yard gain.

IMO, as someone who doesn't love the west coast offense, there just aren't many people in college who can go through the progressions. You even hear it with QBs who play in Kiffin's system, they say, it's a college system - two reads and take off. Yeah, that's probably true but they put up 40 every game.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

I was one of the guys who complained, early on, that in 2019 we weren't throwing to the TEs and RBs enough--that our offense wasn't diversified. But I think the OC saw what he had in those three wide receivers and just poured it on. He fed the big dogs every chance he got. The WRs were often wide open and got lots of YAC in quick hitting RPO plays (at which Tanner excelled). And all three were very good at winning downfield contested catches. And to top it off, we had Rodney Smith, Shannon Brooks and Mo Ibrahim as our 1, 2 and 3 running backs! The threat they posed kept defenses honest, opening up the field for our receiving corps. When it was happening, I didn't appreciate how special that receiving corp--and that entire offense--was. I sure do now!

Pretty good offensive line as well.

 

[MNVCGUY]

just bumping thread back up near the top figuring there will be some news about players with the bowl game just a few days away.

 

[GophersInIowa]

I did see a picture of Anthony Smith practicing the other day so it appears there's a good chance he'll play in the bowl game at least.

 

[60's Guy]

So, I count 20 guys above and below...are all 20 out of eligibility? (Formatting issues...)
Are there others?

 

[GopherW]

I did see a picture of Anthony Smith practicing the other day so it appears there's a good chance he'll play in the bowl game at least.

Or, maybe he’s coming back for another year? That would be sweet.

 

[60's Guy]

You're 100% right. I'd rather go max protect and give TJ or Bateman another .5 seconds to get open then dump the ball down to Rodney Smith for a 2 yard gain.

IMO, as someone who doesn't love the west coast offense, there just aren't many people in college who can go through the progressions. You even hear it with QBs who play in Kiffin's system, they say, it's a college system - two reads and take off. Yeah, that's probably true but they put up 40 every game.

I get what you are saying about dumping off to a back but don't use Rodney Smith as your example. He was elite at catching the ball out of the backfield and making big plays with his opportunities. The problem was that they rarely targeted him. Not many backs can catch and elude tacklers...most can't catch or gain nothing if they do...Rodney was the best in a long while at this.

 

[Ski-U-Ham]

I did see a picture of Anthony Smith practicing the other day so it appears there's a good chance he'll play in the bowl game at least.

Or, maybe he’s coming back for another year? That would be sweet.

This picture is from today's practice in AZ

 

[MNVCGUY]

This picture is from today's practice in AZ

Well the fact that he made the trip and is practicing with the team would certainly be a good indication that he is planning to play at least. But never know because I think JMS was a very late opt out a few years ago.

Is interesting how quiet Smith has been about his future above and beyond walking on senior day.

 

[mngg11]

Well the fact that he made the trip and is practicing with the team would certainly be a good indication that he is planning to play at least. But never know because I think JMS was a very late opt out a few years ago.

Is interesting how quiet Smith has been about his future above and beyond walking on senior day.

I wonder if his decision rests partially on how he performs in the game. If he blows up, he declares, if it's ho-hum, he tries another year. He might be getting some info that he'd make more money staying in school another year than getting drafted late this year

 

[Gopher Mac]

I think this has changed in the last few years and maybe it turns out to be a good thing. I don't know if he goes into the draft. A few years ago it would have been a no brainer. Leave college and go get paid. Now he will get a pretty good check if he stays so he needs to compare that to a NFL check and if he is a 3rd or 4th round pick no guaranteed money. Also if he waits he most likely moves up to a 1st or 2nd round next year. Needs to weigh a few scenarios. But I still think he goes.

 

[upnorthkid]

I think this has changed in the last few years and maybe it turns out to be a good thing. I don't know if he goes into the draft. A few years ago it would have been a no brainer. Leave college and go get paid. Now he will get a pretty good check if he stays so he needs to compare that to a nlf check and if he is a 3rd or 4th round pick no guaranteed money. Also if he waits he most likely moves up to a 1st or 2nd round next year. Needs to weigh a few scenarios. But I still think he goes.

the above is a little bit of a bold conclusion.

 

[GopherTheJugular]

Is interesting how quiet Smith has been about his future above and beyond walking on senior day.

Is this another college tradition that's gonna get watered down? Are people gonna start thinking, "well he's walking on Senior Day, but he might be back...."

Even something like this where he could play for another team next year and then walk for a second senior day, ay carumba.

St. Thomas games starting to look more appealing.

 

[USAF]

I wonder if his decision rests partially on how he performs in the game. If he blows up, he declares, if it's ho-hum, he tries another year.

He's going to decide based on one game against New Mexico? Rather than the years of data vs B1G level talent??


...


Hahahahaha. Good one.

 

[GopherTheJugular]

the above is a little bit of a bold conclusion.

...and you aptly put it in bold font for him.

 

[Gopherchase]

I’m just assuming he’s playing one more game with the fellas and then will go pro. He’ll be a solid starter in the league.

 

[MNVCGUY]

I wonder if his decision rests partially on how he performs in the game. If he blows up, he declares, if it's ho-hum, he tries another year. He might be getting some info that he'd make more money staying in school another year than getting drafted late this year

I highly doubt bowl game performance will impact the decision one way or the other.

Heck maybe Smith is wired the old fashioned way where he actually wants to play with his teammates one last time. Or maybe he is legit considering coming back.

 

[upnorthkid]

i mean either way its another chance to flash for Smith. He's not a 1st-2nd rounder right now so every bit of tape you can put out (not to mention people are actually able to turn these games on as they're competing with nothing) can help you and the difference between 3rd and 5th round is MASSIVE. If he's towards the tail end of that in mocks/pre-draft stuff, I'd sure expect he's back. If he's towards the front and could go higher with a big combine, then I'd guess he leaves.

 

[gophersoa]

i mean either way its another chance to flash for Smith. He's not a 1st-2nd rounder right now so every bit of tape you can put out (not to mention people are actually able to turn these games on as they're competing with nothing) can help you and the difference between 3rd and 5th round is MASSIVE. If he's towards the tail end of that in mocks/pre-draft stuff, I'd sure expect he's back. If he's towards the front and could go higher with a big combine, then I'd guess he leaves.

Maybe now that the D-line coach has been let go, Smith will be 'truly' unleashed, he can show his full ability.
I am half joking but I'm glad that Smith is likely going to play at least one more game for the Gophers.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Put him on the board!

 

[MaxyJR1]

Maybe now that the D-line coach has been let go, Smith will be 'truly' unleashed, he can show his full ability.
I am half joking but I'm glad that Smith is likely going to play at least one more game for the Gophers.

Don't expect him back.

Although he seems like a really good guy that may want to finish out his schooling and full college experience.

 

[Ski-U-Ham]

 

[restovich]

This may be a tough thread to keep up with today. Moving parts! So Greg Johnson and John Nestor have officially announced they are playing, and returning for 2026.

Cool beans!

 

[Gopherchase]

This may be a tough thread to keep up with today. Moving parts! So Greg Johnson and John Nestor have officially announced they are playing, and returning for 2026.

Cool beans!

Fingers crossed that Johnson can take a big jump next year I’m betting he will with all the reps he’s gotten and another year to mature. Nestor has a game named after him “The Nestor Wisconsin snow game” that we will talk about for years to come so nice to see.

 

[restovich]

Nestor may never have to pay for a beer anywhere in the Twin Cities, for the rest of his life.

Better dead than red! Ski-u-mah!

 

[MaxyJR1]

Nestor may never have to pay for a beer anywhere in the Twin Cities, for the rest of his life.

Better dead than red! Ski-u-mah!

Risking it all and transferring to a bitter rival. Now let's beat the Hawkeyes next season.