A list of Gophers football players who have entered the transfer portal
The Gophers football regular season ended with a loss to Wisconsin Saturday and already a number of players have signaled their plans to enter the transfer portal ahead of the upcoming (yet to be announced) bowl game.
Here's a running list of those who have announced:
– Athan Kaliakmanis, quarterback
– Drew Viotto, quarterback
– JJ Guedet, offensive line
– Colton Gregersen, defensive end
– Zach Jorgensen, wide receiver
– Marquese Williams, running back
– Max Grand, running back
– Jacob Lewis, kicker
– Dino Kaliakmanis, wide receiver
– Zach Evans, running back
Nov 18, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) hands off the ball during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.
Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Takeaways...
Athan Kaliakmanis is obviously the big fish on the list so far because he was Minnesota's starting quarterback. Him and Viotto leaving opens the door for a quarterback in the transfer portal to come to Minnesota and compete for the starting job with senior Cole Kramer, freshman Max Shikenjanski and incoming freshman Drake Lindsey.
The loss of Williams could be somewhat significant as well considering he was prized recruit from Pennsylvania who committed to Minnesota in 2022. Williams picked Minnesota over offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan State, Penn State and Notre Dame, among others.
Evans entering the portal is more bad news as the 2024 backfield now is down to Darius Taylor II and Jordan Nubin, neither of whom is the speedster that Evans is.
