All Gophers

Gophers recruiting buzz: Top DB targets hint at teaming up, others look elsewhere

The 2026 high school recruiting cycle continues to heat up.

Tony Liebert

Valley's Jayden McGregory (7) looks to the Southeast Polk sideline after a stop on thrid down on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at Southeast Polk Stadium.
Valley's Jayden McGregory (7) looks to the Southeast Polk sideline after a stop on thrid down on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at Southeast Polk Stadium. / Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
In this story:

The 2026 high school recruiting cycle continues to heat up. The Gophers football team is on the outside looking in with two targets, but four more hinted at potentially teaming up on Monday night.

Kamron Wilson verbally commits to Syracuse

Wilson was recruited hard by former Gophers defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III, and in February, he even locked in an official visit for later this spring. He verbally committed to Syracuse on Sunday after a visit, but we've seen plenty of recruits continue visiting other schools after pledging to another. There has been no indication of him canceling his Gophers visit, but Minnesota is now on the outside looking in.

Gophers omitted from Gavin Day's top six

Day is another 2026 recruit who scheduled an official visit with the Gophers back in February. On Sunday, he released his top-six schools, which did not include the Maroon and Gold. This is another situation where it's not impossible that he reconsiders Minnesota, but P.J. Fleck and his staff are now on the outside looking in.

Top DB targets hint at teaming up: 'What you tryna do'

Minnesota already has four-star cornerback Justin Hopkins verbally committed to its 2026 class, but there could be some more elite defensive back talent joining him. Top targets Jayden McGregory, Almirian Thomas, Messiah Tilson and Darion Jones all responded to a comment on social media under one of Hopkins' posts.

It could just be some typical Gen Z social media use, but all four players are scheduled to take an official visit to Minnesota during its annual "Summer Splash" recruiting event later this year. The U seems to be in a good spot with all four players.

Summer Splash official visit outlook

With Day and Wilson's scheduled official visits up in the air, the Gophers currently have official visits scheduled with 24 other 2026 recruits for their annual Summer Splash event. It has historically been the two biggest high school recruiting weekends of the cycle for the U, and it's shaping up to have a similar outlook at the end of May and beginning of June.

Gophers news, rumors and analysis

Published |Modified
Tony Liebert
TONY LIEBERT

Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.

Home/Gophers Recruiting