The Esko native selected the Ducks, a College Football Playoff semifinalist, after also visiting Texas Tech.
![Minnesota Wild Zach Parise (11). ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com - January 2, 2018, St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center, NHL, Hockey, Minnesota Wild vs. Florida Panthers](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/LDYRHIX7PKP4CIMVQJCL4ZYRTQ.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
More from Gophers
U women beat No. 21 USC 63-62, end 36-game slide vs. ranked foes
Grace Grocholski scored 25 points to lead the Gophers, who hadn’t beaten a ranked foe since November 2019.
January 12, 2026
Souhan: College football has never been better, especially if you live in Indiana
Paying players has improved college football, as shown by the Indiana-Miami (Fla.) title game matchup. The freedom to transfer is part of a more equitable system.
AuthoredJim Souhan
AuthoredJim SouhanJanuary 12, 2026
U receives transfer commitment from Marshall DT Kaba
Minnesota bolstered its defensive line with four transfer additions.
January 12, 2026
Penn State sweeps Gophers in men’s hockey; Gophers women sweep Minnesota State
The Gophers wrestling team opened the Big Ten schedule with a victory over Illinois.
January 11, 2026
U adds Tulsa wideout, Florida International DL from portal
The additions of Zion Steptoe and Xion Chapman, plus running back TJ Thomas Jr., give Minnesota 18 players from the portal.
January 10, 2026
La Velle E. Neal III’s 3-2 pitch: Josh Bell at first base is a boost for the Twins
Also a boost? Amaya Battle on the Gophers women’s basketball team. 
AuthoredLa Velle E. Neal III
AuthoredLa Velle E. Neal IIIJanuary 10, 2026
Reusse: Gophers gymnastics team gets a gem in Ireland’s Emma Slevin
The team has an outstanding facility and a team full of enthusiasm under coach Jenny Hansen.
AuthoredPatrick Reusse
AuthoredPatrick ReusseJanuary 10, 2026
U men’s basketball falls 70-69 in overtime to USC
The Trojans’ Chad Baker-Mazara made two free throws with 10 seconds left after another big three-pointer by Jaylen Crocker-Johnson gave the Gophers a lead.
January 10, 2026
U women’s hockey routs Minnesota State Mankato 11-3
The Gophers scored at least 10 goals in back-to-back games for the first time since October 1999.
January 10, 2026
![Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy (18) in the second period. Gophers women's hockey hosted Ohio State at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • renee.jones@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IXQQZXOLVETXMF57BVHWR6BOFU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
No. 9 Penn State blanks Gophers 3-0 in U’s return to action
The Gophers hadn’t played a regular-season game since Dec. 5 because of the World Junior Championship.
January 10, 2026
Ex-Cincinnati receiver Jennings commits to U out of transfer portal
Jennings has caught 95 passes for 1,208 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
January 10, 2026
U women’s basketball routs Northwestern 79-47
Tori McKinney scored 18 of her 20 points in the first half as the Gophers built a 30-point halftime lead at Williams Arena.
January 9, 2026
