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Gophers that have entered the portal:
**Reminder the transfer portal officially opens Dec. 5 and is open for 45 days until Jan. 18. This is different from years in the past.**
- Jalen Glaze, DB
Former borderline top 1,000 recruit. He appeared in 10 games in 2022 and would’ve likely seen an increased role in 2023.
- Gage Keys, DL
Former No. 838 ranked player in the 2020 class. Recorded 5 tackles in 2022 in a minimal role. Talented player that will remain at P5 level, tough blow to the Gophers’ defensive line depth.
- Steven Ortiz Jr., CB
Former 4-star recruit failed to see the field in his first two seasons with the Gophers. Originally from Arizona, seems like he realized it was a weird fit and I could see him transferring closer to home.
- Cameron James, OT
Former top-500 recruit struggled to catch on with a relatively deep group of Gophers’ offensive tackles.
- Austin Booker, DL
Former top-600 recruit with plenty of high-level P5 offers out of high school. Was often talked up about standing out at practice. Played sparingly this season, will certainly remain at the P5 level, and is a serious blow to the Gophers’ pass-rushing depth.
- Michael Dixon, SS
Easily the Gophers’ biggest transfer portal loss thus far. Dixon played in every game in 2022 as a nickel, safety hybrid. Would’ve likely started at safety in 2023 replacing Jordan Howden. One of the most talented players on the defense will certainly play high level P5 football next season, just not in Minnesota.
- Braelen Oliver, LB
Oliver’s departure does not come as a major shock. As a major contributor for each of his three healthy seasons, his production will be missed, but seemingly getting replaced by Cody Lindenberg as a starter late in the season is evidence that the Gophers have already planned for life without him. As a grad transfer, the split makes sense.
Allen originally committed to Minnesota before withdrawing his name from the portal and returning from Wisconsin. While certainly a talented player, I think the Gophers probably dodged a bullet with this one.
Transfer players already committed:
- WR, Corey Crooms Jr., Western Michigan
- LB, Ryan Selig, Western Michigan
Biggest Needs:
- Pass Rushers/Edge defenders
- Interior defensive line
- Running back
- Interior offensive line
- Safety
- Offensive tackle
- CB depth
Potential Transfer Targets:
- *Zach Durfee, DE, Sioux Falls (D2)
A former QB turned DE and Dawson, Minnesota native, Durfee has quickly developed into a power-five level talent. He earned all-conference honors last season and would have the chance to contribute very early with the Gophers.
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Chance of signing: 90%
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- *Terry “Deuce” Roberts, DB, Iowa
Throughout four seasons Roberts recorded 47 tackles and 2 INTs for Iowa. With offers from Penn State, UMass and Northern Iowa, he is a realistic option to begin to replace Michael “Flip” Dixon in the secondary.
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Chance of signing 45%
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- *Bishop Fitzgerald, CB, Coffeyville CC (JUCO)
Fitzgerald had an impressive freshman season, recording 46 tackles, 6 INTs, 8 PBUs, 3 TDs and 2 FFs. He holds offers from UConn and Kansas and listed at 6-foot-1, he would provide the Gophers with some much-needed depth at defensive back.
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Chance of signing 35%
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- *Jayden Higgins, WR, Eastern Kentucky (FCS)
Listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds Higgins had 58 receptions, 757 yards, and 10 touchdowns last season. With Crooms already committed I would imagine the Gophers’ pursuit to not be as hard, especially when they’d be competing with Mississippi State, Virginia and Iowa State to name a few.
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Chance of signing 25%
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- *Donovan McMillon, S, Florida
A former 4-star prospect, McMillon recorded 30 total tackles across two seasons with Florida. With Pitt, Mississippi State and Virginia Tech already interested, landing him will be tough, but he would be a home-run replacement for Michael “Flip” Dixon.
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Chance of signing 15%
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- *Marcellus Marshall, OT, Kent State
Marshall was one of the best offensive linemen in the group of five last season, en route to All-MAC honors as a true freshman. Already with top offers from Colorado, Pitt and West Virginia, the Gophers will have a lot of competition for his services.
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Chance of signing 10%
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- *Cleveland “Tre” Harris III, WR, Lousiana Tech
Harris III was one of the best wide receivers in college football last season, regardless of level. Listed at 6-foot-2, he recorded 65 catches for 935 yards and 10 TDs. The Gophers will have to compete with Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Oklahoma for his services.
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Chance of signing <5%
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- *Ajani Cornelius, OT, Rhode Island (FCS)
Ajani Cornelius was one of the hottest names to enter the transfer portal, picking up an offer from just about every school in the country. While he does hold an offer from the Gophers, I would put their chances of signing him at slim to none.
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Chance of signing <5%
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