The 2026 Penn State football schedule looks like a rollercoaster, and the NCAA Transfer Portal has a lot to do with it. Every team the Nittany Lions face has felt the impact of player movement, which makes predicting the season even trickier.
So, what about Minnesota? Their offseason activities might give us a better sense of how the Golden Gophers could challenge Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
Minnesota’s High-Profile Departures and Strategic Additions
P.J. Fleck has kept Minnesota relevant in the Big Ten, though the program’s had its ups and downs. This offseason, though, losing star safety Koi Perich really stung.
Perich, a top-75 recruit, left for Oregon after entering the portal. That move leaves a pretty noticeable hole in Minnesota’s defense.
Key Loss: Koi Perich
Perich’s decision to transfer isn’t minor. He was a standout, and his exit makes Minnesota’s secondary a lot thinner.
It’s tough for programs to keep top talent these days, and this loss might be a big deal when the Golden Gophers line up against offenses like Penn State’s.
Defensive Line Additions
Still, Fleck and his staff didn’t just sit back. They moved quickly to add depth along the defensive line.
These new faces are supposed to help shore up the defense. Whether they can actually fill the Perich-sized gap is still a question, but Minnesota’s hoping for the best when they face Penn State’s attack.
Recent Performance and Historical Context
Last season, Minnesota finished 8-5 overall and went 5-4 in the Big Ten. They’re usually a tough out, even for higher-ranked teams.
Their last game against Penn State was in November 2024, and it was a nail-biter. Penn State edged out a 26-25 win in Minneapolis.
Previous Matchups
Back in 2022, Penn State took care of business at home and won 45-17. These matchups always seem to have a bit of drama.
Now, with the next game set for November 14 at Beaver Stadium, both teams have plenty to prove.
Impact of the Transfer Portal on Penn State’s 2027 Class
While everyone’s focused on 2026, it’s hard not to glance ahead. The transfer portal has already started shaking up Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class.
There have been some notable commitments, but also a few tough losses.
Key Commitments
Penn State managed to land several blue-chip recruits:
- Elijah Guertin – Defensive End
- Case Alexander – Linebacker
- Dhillon McGee – Cornerback
- Caleb Cooper – Safety
These guys should give Penn State’s defense a real boost in the coming years.
Notable Losses
But it hasn’t all been good news. Elite wideout Jamir Dean flipped to Georgia.
Top247 receiver Deshawn Hall picked Auburn, in-state receiver Khalil Taylor committed to Nebraska, and running back Aiden Gibson flipped to Rutgers and even reclassified into 2026.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
Penn State’s 2027 class now includes 21 commits. Right now, they’re ranked 20th nationally on 247Sports.
That’s a decent spot, but let’s be honest—there’s room to climb before the Early Signing Period in December. Coaches are still hustling to bring in and keep top talent, which could make all the difference for the team’s edge down the road.
If you want to dig into the details, check out the full breakdown on the 247Sports website. The analysis there dives into how the transfer portal is shaking up college football and what that means for schools like Penn State and Minnesota.
- 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
