How Penn State’s Game 10 opponent Minnesota was affected by the transfer portal

[BleedGopher]

Per Gallen:

Some of the difficulties in occupying that place in the pecking order are apparent in the portal era. Minnesota had one of the highest-profile departures this offseason with star safety Koi Perich, a former top-75 recruit playing for his state's flagship program, picked Oregon after entering the portal. That's a blow for the Golden Gophers.

But Fleck and his staff have made some potentially intriguing additions, especially along the defensive line. This will be a compelling program to watch come together.

The Golden Gophers went 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten last season. Minnesota last faced Penn State in Minneapolis in November 2024 with the Nittany Lions escaping with a 26-25 victory. Penn State also won the last meeting between the two teams in State College with a 45-17 victory in 2022.

https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/longformarticle/penn-state-minnesota-ncaa-transfer-portal-2026-288301228/

Go Gophers!!

 

[gopherbadgerman]

I hope the DL additions help. Outside of that seems like there is not a ton there. Hopefully one of the WR additions can find some traction.

 

[btowngopher]

I hope the DL additions help. Outside of that seems like there is not a ton there. Hopefully one of the WR additions can find some traction.

Probably a major contributor if not a starter at CB and TE. Jennings looks like a top 3 wr on this team. Depth pieces elsewhere, no obvious super stars, it’s going to be pretty hard to have a successful season in this day and age if your transfer class is bust.

 

[Lifeleadership]

Xion Chapman and Naquan Crowder will probably start at D-Tackles. TJ Bush is probably going to start at Edge Rusher. Ayden West at corner will probably start. Jennings at WR will probably start. Bennett Warren at RT will probably start. Kaden Helms will probably start at TE. TJ Thomas will get some time at RB and probably be our punt returner. Beckham Sunderland is pushing to be our starting kicker and probably handle kick offs. Parker Knutson and Mekhai Smith are probably going to be in the defensive backfield rotation. Zion Steptoe is pushing for playing time at WR and had a good Spring. This might end up being a great portal class for the Gophers. A good amount of the transfers could make a HUGE impact on our 2026 team. And, 9 of these guys I mentioned could return next season. I haven't even mentioned Perry Thompson at WR who may take longer to pick up the system but has 3 years of eligibility remaining and has a nice upside. I really like our portal class.