The NCAA football transfer portal window has been a whirlwind for teams across the country. The Minnesota Golden Gophers, guided by P.J. Fleck, have handled this crucial period with a sharp, strategic approach.
They lost major pieces like star safety Koi Perich. Still, they’ve quickly reloaded with new talent to fill pressing needs.
Now that the window’s closed, let’s look at the top five transfer additions expected to make a real difference by 2026.
Edge Rusher: Bush Bolsters the Defensive Front
Edge rusher didn’t seem like a problem at first. Anthony Smith, Karter Menz, and Jaxon Howard were all coming back.
But adding Bush turns that group into a scary quartet. The Gophers’ pass rush could reach another level this season.
Experience and Production
Bush brings loads of experience from his time at Liberty and Cal. He’s played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps and racked up 13 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 94 pressures.
Those numbers show he’s a steady, skilled presence on the field. You can’t teach that kind of consistency.
Immediate Impact
Bush has just one year of eligibility left, so he’s here to make an impact right away. With defenses focused on Smith, Bush should find plenty of chances to break through.
Cornerback: West Strengthens the Secondary
Losing Za’Quan Bryan left a big hole in the Gophers’ secondary. They needed someone who could step in and start right away.
Enter West, who transferred from Michigan State to fill that gap.
High Upside
West, a prized recruit from the D.C. area, played almost 400 snaps as a true freshman for the Spartans. He’s got the athleticism and size you want in a cornerback.
There’s a good chance he keeps improving as a sophomore.
Filling the Void
The timing of West’s arrival couldn’t be better. The Gophers needed a cornerback they could trust, and West fits the bill.
His early experience against top competition sets him up to play a big role in the defensive scheme.
Offensive Line: Warren’s Massive Potential
Warren was one of the earliest and most notable additions for Minnesota. He was a four-star recruit out of high school, and he looks every bit the part at 6’7″ and 325 pounds.
That’s the kind of size that makes coaches take notice.
High School Stardom
Warren ranked in the top 100 nationally for the class of 2024. At Tennessee, though, he saw limited action—just over 200 snaps.
His size and athleticism suggest he could grow into a top player with the Gophers.
Starting Role
Warren’s likely to start at right tackle. He brings three years of eligibility, which is huge for stability.
If he develops as hoped, he could anchor the offensive line for seasons to come.
Wide Receiver: Thompson’s Untapped Talent
Thompson, another former four-star, didn’t quite hit his stride in the SEC. But his high school reputation and physical tools are hard to ignore.
The Gophers are betting on his upside.
High School Acclaim
Thompson was a top-50 recruit just two years ago. He played about 500 snaps for the Tigers, catching 22 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown.
At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, he’s a big, physical target.
Role in the Offense
Thompson should see plenty of action alongside Jalen Smith and Javon Tracy. His athleticism could help him stand out, even if he’s not at the top of this list.
Defensive Tackle: Chapman’s Steady Presence
The Gophers really needed help at defensive tackle after losing several key players to graduation. Chapman looks like the most impactful of the new faces.
From D-II to D-I
Chapman started at the Division II level before moving up to Division I last year. He posted a strong PFF grade and notched 23 quarterback pressures, showing he can compete at a higher level.
Big Ten Transition
Chapman stands 6’4″ and weighs in at 300 pounds. He looks set to start at defensive tackle for the Gophers.
Whether he can bring that same production to the Big Ten? That’s going to shape the Gophers’ defense in a big way.
The Gophers have made some smart moves in the transfer portal. These top five additions each bring something different, and honestly, it feels like they could shift the team’s whole outlook by 2026.
If you want to dig into the details on these transfers, check out the source article.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
