Head coach P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers Football program have recruited some rock star recruits for their 2027 recruiting class. Fleck and the Gophers have done fantastic work recruiting three-star prospects and developing them into quality Big 10 players. They have also done an impressive job of recruiting some of their best in-state talent and even poaching some top prospects from neighboring Wisconsin.
However, with three four-star recruits (Brooks Bakko, Eli Diane, and Tate Wallace) who have already committed to the Gophers and two who are showing strong interest, this may go down as Fleck’s best recruiting class ever. It currently ranks 13th nationally and sixth in the always-challenging Big 10. So, in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, Minnesota is finding ways to be competitive by raising the level of its recruits.
2027 Minnesota Gophers Football Recruiting Class
Brooks Bakko, TE, Kindred (Kindred, ND), 6-5 / 205
Eli Diane, DL, Wayzata (Plymouth, MN), 46-4 / 250
Tate Wallace, LB, Regina (Iowa City, IA), 6-2 / 226
Wyatt Liebentritt, S, Skutt Catholic (Omaha, NE), 6-0 / 180
Drake Mikkelsen, TE, Lennox (Lennox, SD), 6-5 / 205
Taylor Daniels, S, Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, NJ), 5-10 / 180
Zak Walker, CB, Moorhead (Moorhead, MN), 5-11 / 175
Taye Reich, RB, Moorhead (Moorhead, MN), 5-10 / 190
Kason Clayborne, LB, Sioux City East (Sioux City, IA), 6-3 / 215
David Mack, WR, Moorhead (Moorhead, MN), 5-11.5 / 175
Will Clausen, G, Cedar Rapids Prairie (Cedar Rapids, IA), 6-5 / 280
Jett Feeney, QB, Moorhead (Moorhead, MN), 6-1 / 190
Joseph Hamer, OT, Lakeville South (Lakeville, MN), 6-7 / 315
Greg Hargrow, RB, Rosa Fort (Tunica, MS), 5-8 / 175
Gage Geyer, DL, Edina (Edina, MN), 6-5 / 270
Furian Inferrera, QB, Mission Hills (San Marcos, CA), 6-3 / 200
Stars of the Gophers 2027 Group
Brooks Bakko: Talented multi-sport athlete who reminds experts of Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions. Has excellent body control and soft hands, having played receiver, safety, and kick returner in high school. Has ample speed to be a significant run-after-catch threat. He has strong contested ball skills and plays well under pressure.
Bakko needs to add significant weight and strength to improve his play in consort with the offensive line. Did not play at the highest level of competition in high school, so an adjustment period will be needed before he can contribute full-time for the Gophers.
Eli Diane: Diane was not heavily recruited but has all the talent to be a difference-maker at the next level. Explodes out of his stance to hunt down quarterbacks and pursue runners. Tenacious in his pursuit, he sheds blockers well and always keeps his motor running. Looks equally adept at stopping both the run and the pass.
For being such an aggressive player, he stays home well and exhibits strong balance when shifting direction. He has the ability and size to play all across the line, but should fit in nicely as Gophers senior Anthony Smith’s eventual replacement. Pay attention because Georgia Tech is trying to flip him.
Tate Wallace: The heavily recruited Wallace is strong and fast, as he threw the shot put in high school and recorded a 12.26 100-meter dash. Arizona, Arizona St., Iowa State, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin were all vying for his services. He is a multi-sport athlete who also excelled in basketball, baseball, and track and field in high school. He recorded 50 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his senior season at Regina.
The No. 2 prospect in the state of Iowa, he helped his team reach the Iowa High School Athletic Association state championship game. He also led Regina to the Iowa State Basketball Tournament in his senior season and was named All-State in that sport.
A Couple to Keep an Eye On
The Gophers are also hot in pursuit of four-star athletes, cornerback Daniel Yebit from Yukon, Oklahoma, and offensive tackle Alijah Shaw from Leawood, KS. Yebit is also being heavily recruited by Arizona State and Arkansas, while Wisconsin, Iowa State, Arkansas, and Ole Miss are keeping close tabs on Shaw.
