Headlined by four-star recruits in edge rusher Emmanuel Karmo and quarterback Jackson Kollock, P.J. Fleck and the Gophers signed 20 players during the morning session of the early signing day period
The Minnesota Gophers made significant strides in their 2025 recruiting class, checking off some important requirements: securing the top three players in the state, adding a four-star quarterback from California, and enhancing their size and strength along both offensive and defensive lines.
On the opening day of the college football early signing period, Coach P.J. Fleck announced a 20-player class, featuring top-ranked Minnesota recruit Emmanuel Karmo, a linebacker from Robbinsdale Cooper. The Gophers also secured the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked prospects in Minnesota according to 247Sports.com: linebacker Ethan Stendel from Caledonia and defensive lineman Abu Tarawallie from Providence Academy.
Additionally, the Gophers recruited four-star quarterback Jackson Kollock from Laguna Beach, California, who is ranked as the 29th best quarterback nationally. Fleck and his staff bolstered the lines by adding four offensive linemen, with Mark Handy from Albuquerque, New Mexico, leading the way, as well as four defensive linemen, including high three-star prospect Jayquan Stubbs from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
However, the recruiting effort wasn’t without its setbacks.
Entering the week, Minnesota’s class boasted 22 members, but two verbally committed players chose to back out. Running back Shane Marshall from Irwin County High School in Ocilla, Georgia, who racked up over 1,800 rushing yards this season, had committed in June but ultimately signed with Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, safety Grant Grayton from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, announced his decommitment on Wednesday, with Kentucky being a potential alternative.
As of 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the Gophers had all 20 members of their 2025 class signed, ranking 51st nationally and 15th in the Big Ten according to the composite ratings from 247Sports.com. Coach Fleck is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. to discuss the signings. Stay tuned for updates.
Leave a Reply