As the college football transfer portal opens on Friday, Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16, Minnesota finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The Golden Gophers are staring down a roster that’s set to lose key contributors across several position groups, and the portal offers both a challenge and an opportunity: patch the holes, reload talent, and set the tone for 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at Minnesota’s top five roster needs heading into portal season - where reinforcements aren’t just helpful, they’re absolutely necessary.
1. Defensive Tackle: A Full Reset Up Front
This one’s not just a need - it’s a full-blown rebuild. Minnesota’s entire two-deep at defensive tackle is gone.
Starters Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding are out of eligibility, and so are key backups Nate Becker and Rushawn Lawrence. That’s a massive exodus from the heart of the defense.
What’s left? Redshirt freshmen Jaylin Hicks and Riley Sunram, who saw limited action this season - 78 and 44 snaps, respectively.
Redshirt sophomore Theo Randle was expected to step up, but injuries kept him sidelined all year. That leaves the Gophers dangerously thin at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.
Expect Minnesota to be aggressive in finding plug-and-play defensive tackles who can anchor the interior and eat up blocks in the Big Ten trenches.
2. Wide Receiver: Weapons Wanted
The Gophers have their quarterback of the future in Drake Lindsey, but he’s going to need more than confidence and a strong arm - he needs targets. The wide receiver room is being gutted. Le’Meke Brockington and Logan Loya are out of eligibility, and Malachi Coleman, Kenric Lanier, and three others have entered the portal.
That leaves Javon Tracy and Jalen Smith as the most experienced returning wideouts. Lindsey has already said he plans to be hands-on in recruiting receivers from the portal - and he should be. Minnesota needs proven playmakers who can stretch the field, win one-on-ones, and give Lindsey the kind of support that turns potential into production.
3. Offensive Line: Internal Growth, Selective Additions
Some might argue this should be higher on the list - and they wouldn’t be wrong. But here’s the reality: the transfer market for offensive linemen is a battlefield. Everyone wants them, and there just aren’t enough quality options to go around.
Last offseason, Minnesota brought in four linemen from the portal, and the results were underwhelming. The line struggled with consistency and protection, and it showed.
Improvement in 2026 will have to start with development from within. That said, don’t be surprised if offensive line coach Brian Callahan targets a few key reinforcements - particularly at right tackle, where the Gophers could use both depth and experience.
4. Running Back: Depth Behind the Star
When healthy, Darius Taylor is one of the most dynamic backs in the Big Ten. That’s the good news.
The bad news? Staying healthy has been a challenge.
Add in the loss of Marshall transfer A.J. Turner to a season-ending leg injury just three games into the year, and suddenly the backfield feels a lot thinner than it should.
Behind Taylor and Turner next season? Two redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen.
That’s a lot of youth and not a lot of proven production. Minnesota doesn’t necessarily need a new RB1 - but they do need insurance.
A veteran back from the portal who can carry the load if needed would go a long way in stabilizing the offense.
5. Cornerback: Locking Down the Other Side
John Nestor, the Iowa transfer, was a steady presence at cornerback this season and will return in 2026. The problem?
The spot opposite him was a revolving door. Redshirt sophomore Za’Quan Bryan (now in the portal) and redshirt freshman Mike Gerald both got looks, but neither locked down the job.
The staff even tried nickelback Jai’Onte McMillan and safety Aidan Gousby at outside corner.
Could Gousby stay at corner next year? Possibly.
But this is a position where experience matters, especially in a conference loaded with big-bodied receivers and vertical passing attacks. The Gophers would be wise to find a corner with starting experience to bring stability and leadership to a group that’s still finding its identity.
Final Word
Minnesota’s offseason isn’t about a rebuild - it’s about recalibration. The foundation is there: a promising young quarterback, a star running back, and a defense that has shown flashes. But key pieces are missing, and the transfer portal gives the Gophers a narrow window to fill them.
Defensive tackle and wide receiver are top priorities, but every position on this list will need attention. If Minnesota can land the right mix of experience and upside, 2026 could be the year this team takes a step forward - not just in the Big Ten standings, but in its overall identity.