Earlier this week, the Gophers lost a running back who was committed to their 2026 recruiting class when Jett Walker of Georgetown, Texas, flipped his choice to Texas. On Friday, Minnesota found a replacement in Niko Castillo, a running back for Schuylkill Haven (Pa.) High School who announced on the X platform that he as committed to the Gophers.
Castillo, 6-1 and 235 pounds, brings size and a nose for the end zone to the Gophers. He rushed for 1,694 yards and 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons and caught 24 passes for 517 yards and 11 TDs in that span. On defense, he had 67 tackles and 11 sacks this season.
Castillo committed to the Gophers during his official visit on Friday. His only other FBS scholarship offer was from Kent State.
Castillo’s commitment gives the Gophers 29 players in their 2026 recruiting class. With the early signing period opening Wednesday, Minnesota’s class as of Friday evening ranked 25th nationally and seventh among Big Ten teams in the 247Sports composite ratings of major recruiting services.
