Latest buzz surrounding the Gophers in the transfer portal

The college football offseason chaos is in full swing.
Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players take the field before the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players take the field before the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The transfer portal for college officially opened on Friday, January 2, and it will close two weeks later on January 16. This is your tracker for all things Gophers.

Incoming transfer portal players

Player

Position

Former school

Years of eligibility

Michael Merdinger

QB

North Carolina/Liberty

3

Jaron Thomas

RB

Purdue

4

Bennett Warren

OT

Tennessee

3

Andrew Marshall

LB

Eastern Michigan

2

Naquan Crowder

DT

Marshall

2

Perry Thompson

WR

Auburn

2

Parker Knutson

S

Southwest Minnesota State (D2)

2

Aydan West

CB

Michigan State

3

Elisha West

S

Michigan State

3

Beckham Sunderland

K

Michigan

2

Mekhai Smith

S

Lehigh

2

Zachary Robbins

K/P

Utah State

3

TJ Bush Jr.

DE/OLB

California

1

Kaden Helms

TE

Oklahoma

1

Noah Jennings

WR

Cincinnati

1

Zion Steptoe

WR

Tulsa

1

Xion Chapman

DT

FIU

2

T.J. Thomas Jr.

RB/KR/PR

Elon

2

Sid Kaba

DT

Marshall

2

Departing Minnesota players

Name

Position

Snaps w/ UMN

Eligibility remaining

New school

Reese Tripp

OL

4

2 years

Middle Tennessee State

Tre Berry

RB

0

4 years

Tennessee State

Johann Cardenas

RB

0

3 years

Caleb McGrath

P

0

2 years

North Dakota State

Quentin Redding

KR/PR/WR

144

1 year

Kenric Lanier II

WR

152

2 years

Missouri

Jackson Kollock

QB

0

4 years

Harrison Brun

DB

15

3 years

South Dakota

Ethan Carrier

DB

0

2 years

South Dakota

Legend Lyons

WR

0

4 years

Monatana

Cristian Driver

WR

115

1 year

Fame Ijeboi

RB

220

3 years

Purdue

David Kemp

K

0

1 year

Malachi Coleman

WR

174

2 years

Wisconsin

Brody Richter

P

0

1 year

Drew Wilson

LB

0

3 years

Za'Quan Bryan

CB

514

2 years

USF

Kahlee Tafai

OT

39

2 years

California

Koi Perich

S

1,596

2 years

Oregon

Steven Curtis

DE

0

2 years

North Texas

Jaylen Bowden

CB

23

2 years

East Carolina

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Confirmed Targets

Player

Position

School

Eligibility remaining

Status

Javin Gordon

RB

Tulane

3 years

Visited

Kyri Shoels

WR

San Jose State

1 year

Interest

Jeremiah Sandiford

DT

Tennessee Tech

2 years

Visit scheduled

Jayden Madkins

DL

Louisiana Tech

2 years

Visit scheduled

Other notable entries

More from Gophers On SI


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Tony Liebert
TONY LIEBERT

Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.

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