Talented 2026 tackle Andrew Trout commits to Gophers

Trout still has two years of high school before graduating in 2026.

Andrew Trout, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle from Rocori High School in central Minnesota, announced his commitment to the Golden Gophers on Sunday. 

Trout told GopherIllustrated's Ryan Burns that he had a great visit to the U of M and head coach P.J. Fleck answered all of his questions this past week. And as Burns noted, it's not all that common for the Gophers to offer scholarships to in-state sophomores. 

"First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to God. Without Him, I wouldn't be where I am today," Trout wrote in his announcement. "I want to thank my parents and sisters for guiding and supporting me through all the highs and lows of this journey. And lastly, I want to thank all of the coaching staff at Rocori Football for believing in me and pushing me to the be the best I can be. Especially my head coach James Herberg who has guided me through this stressful, but fun process. With all that being said I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my football and academic career at the University of Minnesota!"

Trout has also field offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State. 

He is the first 2026 graduate to commit to Minnesota. 

Trout and Rocori finished the 2023 football season 10-3 and lost to Hutchinson 14-6 in the Class 4A state championship game. 

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Andrew Trout with Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck / Credit: Andrew Trout on X