BleedGopher
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Per ESPN:
OLB/Edge TJ Bush Jr. (Cal transfer)
Why: Bush was one of the most productive and underrated edge defenders in the portal and fills a specific need for Minnesota. Over three seasons at Liberty and Cal, he piled up 91 total pressures, 27 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 10 batted passes, including a 2025 campaign when he led Cal in pressures (39) and hurries (26) and finished second in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5). At 6‑foot-3, 260‑plus pounds, he brings the size to play a true five‑technique and the quickness to win on the edge, exactly what the Gophers were missing behind Anthony Smith.
What to expect: Bush arrives as a plug‑and‑play rotational starter who should immediately expand what Minnesota can do up front. He gives defensive coordinator Danny Collins a third proven disruptor alongside Smith and Karter Menz. Most importantly, Bush brings the body type to take real 5‑technique plays, so Smith doesn't have to log another 670‑snap season. Bush has more combined pressures than Menz and Jaxon Howard, and his presence should force protections to spread out, freeing Smith and Menz for more one‑on‑ones. Expect Bush to push for at least 400 snaps and help turn an already good front into one of the Big Ten's best.
What they're saying: "We played against TJ last year when he was at Cal and saw firsthand how disruptive and impactful he was on the line of scrimmage. TJ is a versatile edge who is a three-down player. He was extremely productive at Cal and led the team in sacks, and he has 130 career tackles. TJ's versatility and experience improves the competition and depth of our defensive line." -- P.J. Fleck, head coach
www.espn.com
Go Gophers!!
OLB/Edge TJ Bush Jr. (Cal transfer)
Why: Bush was one of the most productive and underrated edge defenders in the portal and fills a specific need for Minnesota. Over three seasons at Liberty and Cal, he piled up 91 total pressures, 27 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 10 batted passes, including a 2025 campaign when he led Cal in pressures (39) and hurries (26) and finished second in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5). At 6‑foot-3, 260‑plus pounds, he brings the size to play a true five‑technique and the quickness to win on the edge, exactly what the Gophers were missing behind Anthony Smith.
What to expect: Bush arrives as a plug‑and‑play rotational starter who should immediately expand what Minnesota can do up front. He gives defensive coordinator Danny Collins a third proven disruptor alongside Smith and Karter Menz. Most importantly, Bush brings the body type to take real 5‑technique plays, so Smith doesn't have to log another 670‑snap season. Bush has more combined pressures than Menz and Jaxon Howard, and his presence should force protections to spread out, freeing Smith and Menz for more one‑on‑ones. Expect Bush to push for at least 400 snaps and help turn an already good front into one of the Big Ten's best.
What they're saying: "We played against TJ last year when he was at Cal and saw firsthand how disruptive and impactful he was on the line of scrimmage. TJ is a versatile edge who is a three-down player. He was extremely productive at Cal and led the team in sacks, and he has 130 career tackles. TJ's versatility and experience improves the competition and depth of our defensive line." -- P.J. Fleck, head coach
Top newcomers for Notre Dame and every Big Ten team, and what coaches are saying
Which new faces in the league will make the biggest impact for each school?
Go Gophers!!
