A month from today, the college football transfer window officially opens. The players Minnesota adds from other programs at that point are as important as the high school and junior college signings they make this Wednesday. Under P.J. Fleck, several key players came to Minneapolis as a second (or third stop): Benjamin St-Juste, Nyles Pinckney, Matthew Trickett, Max Brosmer, John Nestor, and many more.
A year ago today, I gave my predictions of what positions the Gophers would try to improve or fill with transfers. I was mostly right, though with qualifications: The coaching staff, seeing Drake Lindsey in practice every day, was willing to start him as a redshirt freshman rather than finding another rental starter. The team added two starting offensive linemen, not just one. They brought in two defensive tackles, but both were a little undersized, and only Rushawn Lawrence got to play after Mo Omonode's injury. Two cornerbacks came in (both with multiple years of eligibility), but only one safety going out meant that seeking backup at the back was not necessary. They also loaded up on specialists, brought in a tight end, and signed one of the top tailbacks on the market instead of just depth.
Notable is how some of the positions of need recur each year for the Gophers. For example: Three years ago, they needed a cornerback; two years ago, they needed a cornerback; a year ago, they needed a cornerback; and headed into next year, they at least might need a cornerback after it proved perhaps the Gophers' biggest flaw.
As generally consistent as Fleck's program has been, and granting that in some places it is relatively fine to plug in a new guy every year or two, Minnesota has had roster construction difficulties in recent years. It has become harder this decade for a "developmental program," to use a Fleckism, to balance the need for immediate results with actual development. Even if you find the right transfers to succeed at the former aim, shortcomings in the latter will catch up to you at some point. We saw how this affected the 2025 season.
Regardless of the bigger picture: Current needs are current needs, and the Gophers have some. Here are nine such needs they might try to address.
In this post, players are referred to by their class (freshman, sophomore, etc.) entering the 2026 season. This practice may be slightly confusing, but since this covers the 2026 roster, it is better than the alternative.
Running Back
Potential need: depth
The Gophers like to carry at least eight running backs. Assuming Darius Taylor leaves for the NFL, they are currently set to enter next preseason with seven. They should have total belief in A.J. Turner (if healty) and Fame Ijeboi but will be looking for a third-down back who can pass protect and be a threat out of the backfield. Cam Davis had that role this season, and Bryce Williams did for many years before him. Maybe Grant Washington, Xavier Ford, or one of the current commits can fill it now. Even if one of them can, Minnesota will add another tailback or two just to fill out the roster.
Wide Receiver
Potential need: depth
Like with other positions on the roster, Minnesota's need at receiver is dependent on how much they have to replace. If the only losses are Le'Meke Brockington, Logan Loya, and Quentin Redding, the Gophers might be fine letting their young players — and it is a young group — step into bigger roles. A team could do far worse than a starting three of Malachi Coleman, Jalen Smith, and Javon Tracy. Kenric Lanier earned a role with his blocking this season and will get more snaps. If Cristian Driver and Bradley Martino are available after missing this season, that can just about round out the rotation.
As always, though, targets are hard to come by, and those who will not play much in 2026 could look for new schools. If that happens, or if the staff wants a receiver who can do a specific job in the offense, we can expect at least one new face.
