The Minnesota Gophers are entering a new era for the 2025-26 season, and with that comes a new coach and a whole lot of questions. This season, the Gophers graduated 10 players from their roster of 15. Three players have already decided to transfer, and a fourth just decided earlier this week.
Amongst all of the transfers, the Gophers did have three exciting Freshmen coming to play for this season. As of this morning, one of these players has decided to ask for his release from playing for the University of Minnesota. It’s something to keep an eye on here in the coming months.
Minnesota is expected to have a $5-6 million budget for NIL to spend on the roster. This number isn’t finalized yet as we are still waiting for the revenue-sharing deal to be finalized later this year. This amount will help the Gophers be competitive in the transfer portal as well as retention of their players.
Jacob Ross decommits from the Gophers.
Jacob Ross, one of three signees the Minnesota Gophers had in their 2025 men’s basketball recruiting class, has reportedly requested a release from the University of Minnesota and plans to reopen his recruitment.
The 6-foot-5 guard/forward committed to Minnesota last October, choosing the Gophers over offers from Kansas State, VCU, Old Dominion, and others. Ross’s departure leaves 6-foot-10 forward Parker Jefferson and Philadelphia-area wing Kai Shinholster as the two remaining signees in Minnesota’s 2025 recruiting class.
Nationally, Ross is ranked 187th overall, according to 247Sports.
Players that have already transferred out of Minnesota
- Tyler Cochran guard
- Kadyn Betts forward
- Frank Mitchell forward (committed to play at St. Bonaventure)
- Brennan Rigsby forward
- Max Sheridan guard
- Jacob Ross guard/forward (decommitted)
Gophers’ 2025 high school recruits & players coming back
- Parker Jefferson forward (Active on social media in support of the Gophers)
- Kai Shinholster guard (Very supportive of the Gophers)
- Isaac Asuma guard (Returning)
- Grayson Grove guard (Returning)
2025-26 Gophers roster outlook
Assuming those four names above are still on the roster come tipoff next season, the Gophers will still have 11 scholarships available. Will new coach Niko Medved recruit some of his former Colorado State players over to the Gophers? Or will we see some local players want to come home and be a part of a winning coach, a new era, and a chance at making some better money while being back home with family and friends? Here’s a list of players that Medved and his staff might target in the transfer portal.
1. Kyan Evans sophomore guard Colorado State
Kyan is a good scorer and a great 3-point shooter (44.6%) who would desperately help this Minnesota team.
2. Rashaan Mbemba sophomore forward Colorado State
Rasshaan is a high-motor guy who shoots a high percentage and is a plus defender.
3. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson sophomore forward Colorado State
He’s a good rebounder but doesn’t do anything flashy. He would be a great fit for this team.
4. Kyle Jorgenson freshman forward Colorado State
Like these other Colorado State players, there will be plenty of open spots and minutes to go around for any incoming transfer. Jorgensen is from Minneapolis, MN so this could be a great fit for him.
5. Terrence Brown sophomore guard Fairleigh Dickinson
Securing Brown, a Columbia Heights native and elite scorer (20.6 PPG), would be a huge win. He’s poised to join a big-time conference, though Minnesota’s interest seems minimal at this time.
6. BJ Omot junior forward California
Omot was a former star at Mankato East High School. This year, injuries plagued his season at Cal, restricting him to only four appearances. Despite this, he retains two years of eligibility and holds considerable potential.
7. Joshua Ola-Joseph junior guard California
Joshua had an offer out of high school from Medved’s CSU Rams, he spent one year at Cal and is now back in the transfer portal. His return to his home state would represent a valuable addition to the Gophers’ three-point arsenal.
8. Jayden Pierre junior guard Providence
Pierre strongly considered Minnesota out of high school, he even took an official visit to the U of M campus. He averaged 12.3 points per game last season, he’s worth keeping an eye on.
9. Demarion Watson junior guard Iowa State
Watson led Totino Grace High School to its first Minnesota State Championship in 2022. The Gophers staff recruited him, but he never broke into Iowa State’s rotation. He could make the jump back home and play for the Gophers.
10. Bryce Lindsay freshman guard James Madison
This would be a homerun hit for the Gophers. The Gophers have expressed interest in Lindsay, but face stiff competition from programs like Florida, UConn, and St. John’s. An exceptionally efficient shooter, while Lindsay would significantly elevate the Gophers, Medved faces a steep uphill battle in recruiting him.
11. Gavin Walsh sophomore forward Binghamton
Walsh averaged 10.8 rebounds per game last season, ranking fifth nationally. His unique skill set will attract interest from numerous programs.
This list contains a few players the Gophers might consider. With so many open spots the Gophers staff has a big task ahead of them to fill this roster out and hope that their players stay. Medved has proven he can take broken programs and revive them. If the Gophers can start winning then the fans will come back, we have seen this time and time again.
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