BleedGopher
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Per ESPN:
What went wrong: Koi Perich is a significant loss, especially to a Big Ten competitor, as the homegrown star and former top-175 recruit earned all-league honors in each of his first two seasons and was a factor on defense and returns. Similar to Purdue with Dillon Thieneman, Minnesota could struggle to watch Perich in a Ducks uniform. Other notable departures include cornerback Za'Quan Bryan, who started 10 games last season, and running back Fame Ijeboi, who showed some promise as a reserve. Minnesota kept its top assistants but lost running backs coach Jayden Everett to rival Wisconsin and cut ties with longtime assistant Matt Simon, who had been with Fleck since 2014. The transfer group, though solid, isn't filled with guaranteed starters.
What went right: Minnesota brought back the core of a team that has been a consistent winner under Fleck, including several players who could have jumped to the NFL or cashed in as transfers. All-Big Ten defensive end Anthony Smith, who led the league with 12.5 sacks and finished second with 17.5 tackles for loss, returned for his final season, as did running back Darius Taylor, who can be productive when healthy. The team strengthened its defensive front through the portal with Bush (Cal) and others, while helping quarterback Drake Lindsey with Thompson from Auburn and several others. Minnesota's 2026 recruiting class ranked No. 31 nationally, and is headlined by Johnson, Voss and Trout, all four-star prospects from the state.
www.espn.com
Go Gophers!!
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Key additions: WR Perry Thompson, DL TJ Bush Jr., CB Aydan West
- Key departures: S Koi Perich, DL Deven Eastern, LB Devon Williams
- Top incoming recruits: DE Howie Johnson, TE Roman Voss, OT Andrew Trout
What went wrong: Koi Perich is a significant loss, especially to a Big Ten competitor, as the homegrown star and former top-175 recruit earned all-league honors in each of his first two seasons and was a factor on defense and returns. Similar to Purdue with Dillon Thieneman, Minnesota could struggle to watch Perich in a Ducks uniform. Other notable departures include cornerback Za'Quan Bryan, who started 10 games last season, and running back Fame Ijeboi, who showed some promise as a reserve. Minnesota kept its top assistants but lost running backs coach Jayden Everett to rival Wisconsin and cut ties with longtime assistant Matt Simon, who had been with Fleck since 2014. The transfer group, though solid, isn't filled with guaranteed starters.
What went right: Minnesota brought back the core of a team that has been a consistent winner under Fleck, including several players who could have jumped to the NFL or cashed in as transfers. All-Big Ten defensive end Anthony Smith, who led the league with 12.5 sacks and finished second with 17.5 tackles for loss, returned for his final season, as did running back Darius Taylor, who can be productive when healthy. The team strengthened its defensive front through the portal with Bush (Cal) and others, while helping quarterback Drake Lindsey with Thompson from Auburn and several others. Minnesota's 2026 recruiting class ranked No. 31 nationally, and is headlined by Johnson, Voss and Trout, all four-star prospects from the state.
Ranking the offseason for every Power 4 college football team
Nail the transfer portal? Miss a big recruit? Find a top coordinator? All are part of our offseason evaluations.
Go Gophers!!
