Minnesota offensive lineman Reese Tripp is officially on the move. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has entered the transfer portal after three years with the Golden Gophers, signaling his intent to explore new opportunities with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
“Thank you Gopher Football for such an amazing 3 years,” Tripp shared in a statement. “It has been an honor to call myself a Gopher. With that, I will be entering the portal with 2 years of eligibility.”
Tripp’s time on the field in Minneapolis was limited - he saw action in just one game during his tenure - but his size and potential could make him an intriguing pickup for programs looking to bolster their offensive line depth. At this stage in his development, Tripp is still a bit of a project, but he's got the frame and the tools that coaches love to mold.
He's not alone in making a move. Tripp becomes the eighth scholarship player from Minnesota to enter the portal this cycle, joining quarterback Jackson Kollock, running back Fame Ijeboi, and wide receivers Kenric Lanier, Malachi Coleman, Cristian Driver, Quentin Redding, and Legend Lyons. It’s a notable wave of departures, and while some of these names may still return, it’s clear that roster turnover is in full swing in Dinkytown.
Since its introduction in 2018, the NCAA transfer portal has become a central piece of the college football landscape. Players no longer need permission from their coaching staff to explore other options - once they request entry, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for their name to appear, and from that point on, schools are free to initiate contact.
It’s important to note: entering the portal doesn’t guarantee a transfer. Players can withdraw at any time, but once they’re in, there’s no guarantee their current school will hold their scholarship. It’s a calculated risk, but one that more and more athletes are willing to take in search of playing time, development, or a better fit.
And the numbers back that up. During the 2020-21 cycle, over 2,600 FBS players entered the portal - a significant jump from just under 1,700 in the years prior.
A big reason for that spike? The NCAA’s one-time transfer rule, which allows players to switch schools and be immediately eligible, provided they meet the entry deadline.
For Tripp, the next step is about opportunity. Whether he’s looking for a better path to playing time, a different system fit, or simply a fresh start, he’ll have options. And with two years left to play, there’s still plenty of time for him to make an impact at the next stop.