The Minnesota Golden Gophers just made a major move toward shaping the future of their football program, officially signing 31 new players on National Signing Day. Head coach P.J. Fleck and his staff cast a wide net across the country, reeling in talent from 19 different states as they continue to build a roster that reflects both depth and versatility.
This 2025 recruiting class is balanced across both sides of the ball, with 18 offensive players and 13 defensive signees spread across eight position groups. It’s the kind of class that speaks to Fleck’s emphasis on roster construction - not just chasing stars, but filling needs and building a foundation.
Let’s break it down by position:
Offensively, the Gophers added five offensive linemen, five wide receivers, three tight ends, three running backs, and two quarterbacks. That’s a clear indication of where Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. are placing their focus: building from the trenches out, while also adding skill-position talent that can stretch the field and give the offense more flexibility.
The offensive line group includes Aaron Thomas (Arizona), Andrew Trout (Minnesota), Beckett Schreiber (Wisconsin), Gavin Meier (Wisconsin), and Lucas Tielsch (Ohio). It’s a unit with size, regional variety, and long-term upside - all key ingredients for developing Big Ten-caliber linemen.
At quarterback, Minnesota brings in Brady Palmer from California’s Cathedral Catholic and Owen Lansu from Downers Grove North in Illinois. Palmer brings a West Coast pedigree and a live arm, while Lansu has the kind of physical tools and leadership traits that could make him a fan favorite down the line.
In the backfield, the Gophers added Niko Castillo (Pennsylvania), Ryan Estrada (Texas), and Zeke Bates (also Pennsylvania). All three backs bring different styles to the table, giving the staff options to mix and match depending on game flow and opponent.
The tight end group - Gabe Weaver (Missouri), George Rohl (Wisconsin), and Roman Voss (Minnesota) - adds both size and versatility, with all three capable of lining up in multiple spots. In a conference where tight ends can make or break offensive rhythm, this trio could be crucial.
The wide receiver additions - Braiden Stevens (Missouri), Hayden Moore (Florida), Josiah Dozier (Alabama), Quayd Hendryx (New Jersey), and Rico Blassingame (Washington) - bring speed and athleticism from coast to coast. There’s a mix of vertical threats, possession guys, and after-the-catch playmakers in this group, which should help modernize the Gophers’ passing attack.
Defensively, Minnesota’s class includes five defensive linemen, two linebackers, and six defensive backs - a reflection of the program’s continued emphasis on building a fast, physical, and fundamentally sound defense.
The D-line haul features Aaden Aytch (Indiana), Anthony Charles (Pennsylvania), Howie Johnson (Minnesota), Jeremiah Benson (Michigan), and Josiah Anyansi (Georgia). There’s a blend of edge rush potential and interior power here, which should help the Gophers generate more consistent pressure up front.
At linebacker, Angel Luciano (Pennsylvania) and Hudson Dunn (Arizona) bring toughness and range. Luciano, in particular, has shown flashes of sideline-to-sideline ability, while Dunn has the frame and instincts to develop into a versatile piece in multiple packages.
The secondary is getting a major boost with six new additions: Chance Payne (Georgia), Jordan Lampkins (Maryland), Justin Hopkins (Tennessee), Lamont “Doodie” Hamilton (Wisconsin), Tavian White (Iowa), and Trason Richardson (Texas). That’s a lot of athleticism and length coming into the defensive backfield - a smart move in a conference where stopping the pass is more critical than ever.
Geographically, this class is one of the most diverse in recent Minnesota memory. Three players hail from in-state programs, while Wisconsin and Pennsylvania each produced four signees. The Gophers also landed multiple recruits from Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas - showing the reach of Fleck’s recruiting operation.
From California to New Jersey, and just about everywhere in between, this class reflects a national approach. But it’s not just about grabbing names from far-flung zip codes - it’s about finding players who fit the culture Fleck has built in Minneapolis: high-character, high-effort guys who want to “Row the Boat.”
This 2025 class isn’t just about filling out the depth chart - it’s about building a team that can compete in a changing Big Ten landscape. With the additions of powerhouse programs and a shifting schedule format, roster depth and adaptability are more important than ever. And this class gives Minnesota a strong foundation to work from.
There’s still a long road from Signing Day to Saturdays in the fall, but for now, Fleck and the Gophers have reason to feel good. The boat just got a lot stronger.