Za’Quan Bryan, who started 10 games at cornerback for the Gophers this season, announced Wednesday, Dec. 31, on Instagram that he is entering his name into the transfer portal.
A redshirt sophomore, Bryan missed the regular-season finale against Wisconsin and the Rate Bowl against New Mexico because of a shoulder injury.
The Savannah, Ga., native made 36 tackles, broke up three passes and forced one fumble during the 2025 season. He played in 22 games for the Gophers, including 13 starts. In 2024, he had 19 tackles, five pass breakups and one interception.
Bryan will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Later Jan. 1, offensive lineman Kahlee Tafai announced on the X platform that he is entering the transfer portal. The transfer from Washington saw action three games this season.
Bryan is first starter since the end of the regular season to announce his intentions to enter the portal, which opens Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16. Tafai becomes the 15th Gopher to say he is entering the portal.
RB coach Jayden Everett leaving for Wisconsin
Jayden Everett, who joined the Gophers last January as running backs coach, is leaving to become running backs coach at Wisconsin, a source with knowledge of the situation told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Jan. 1.
Everett’s contract with the Gophers was set to expire on Jan. 31, and there was no movement to re-sign him.
