FIU transfer gives Gophers much-needed help at defensive tackle

Minnesota filled a position of need with its second transfer portal addition on Saturday.

Oct 4, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano (2) throws a pass against the FIU Panthers in the third quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Gophers added Florida International (FIU) defensive tackle Xion Chapman from the transfer portal on Saturday, following an official visit to the school, according to a report from On3's Pete Nakos.

BREAKING: FIU transfer DT Xion Chapman (@XionChapman) has committed to Minnesota.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, he had 23 pressures and 14 total tackles in 2025. Also had interest from Penn St and Ok State. Significant pickup. https://t.co/vJMtSgo27h pic.twitter.com/Gch1Jyi6ii

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) January 10, 2026

Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Gophers On SI newsletter

Hailing from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Chapman began his college career at Division-II Lackawanna College in 2024. He finished the season with 15 total tackles, 5 TFLs and 2 sacks. He made the jump to the Division I level and joined FIU in 2025.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Chapman quickly proved that he belonged at the FBS level with the Panthers. He finished last season with 15 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks and 23 quarterback pressures. He received a 73.4 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Chapman played 69.5% of his defensive snaps in 2025 as a true four-technique defensive tackle. With two years of college eligibility remaining, he fits a serious need for Minnesota's defense and he has a great chance of starting as soon as 2026.

With Deven Eastern, Jalen Logan-Redding and Rushawn Lawrence out of eligibility, Minnesota badly needed to improve the interior of its defensive line this offseason. Marshall transfer Naquan Crowder was the first addition, and Chapman now gives them a second player from the Group of 5 level with legitimate starting experience.

Chapman was on campus for an official visit at Penn State, but Minnesota was able to out-recruit his hometown program and land a commitment. He's not a flashy transfer portal addition, but he could wind up being one of their most impactful. He's now the 17th player set to join the Gophers' 2026 roster through the transfer portal.

Current transfer portal commtiments

• Michael Merdinger, Liberty QB
• Jaron Thomas, Purdue RB
• Bennett Warren, Tennessee OT
• Andrew Marshall, Eastern Michigan OLB
• Naquan Crowder, Marshall DT
• Perry Thompson, Auburn WR
• Parker Knutson, Southwest Minnesota State (D-II) S
• Aydan West, Michigan State CB
• Elisha West, Michigan State S
• Beckham Sunderland, Michigan K
• Mekhai Smith, Lehigh S
• Zachary Robbins, Utah State K/P
• TJ Bush Jr., California OLB
• Kaden Helms, Oklahoma TE
• Noah Jennings, Cincinnati WR
• Zion Steptoe, Tulsa WR
• Xion Chapman, FIU DT