Minnesota Gophers Pull Talented Brother Duo Out of Portal

As expected, the start to 2026 college football portal season has been plenty busy for the Minnesota Gophers. After an 8-5 season, PJ Fleck and his staff have been active in the transfer portal trying to reload a roster that finished in the middle of the Big Ten in 2025.

P.J. Fleck grabbed his highest-rated portal commitment on Monday, in the form of 4-star Auburn transfer wide receiver, Perry Thompson. In total, the Golden Gophers started the day with five total transfers committed for 2026.

Brothers coming to Minnesota Gophers from Michigan State

On Tuesday morning, they added two more commitments — a brother combo on defense, (CB) Ayden and (S) Elisha West — college sophomores who have three and four years of eligibility remaining, respectively.

The brothers, who went to high school in Maryland, are coming over from Michigan State, where they have spent their freshman season working under former Minnesota defensive coordinator, Joe Rossi.

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/g7RBTEMtOX

— Elisha West (@EVsDaWorld) January 6, 2026

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/QNewLXQxTa

— Aydan West (@AydanWest0) January 6, 2026

When the Minnesota Gophers knocked off Michigan State at Huntington Bank Stadium this season, both Aydan and Elisha West were on the visitor sideline. Now, the brothers will trade in their forest green and white out for Gopher maroon and gold.

What are Gophers getting in Ayden West and Elisha West?

Aydan West — who was the higher-rated (3-star) prospect out of high school — played in 12 games as a freshman last season for the Spartans. He had 19 total tackles as a defensive back, including one for a loss. He also registered half a sack.

Elisha West, a non-rate recruit out of high school, played more sparingly in 2026 for the Spartans, finding the field in just two games — vs Penn State and Maryland. He didn’t record a stat in either contest.

Related: MN Gophers Announce Two More Top Talents Returning for 2026

The brothers hail from Maryland. Aydan adds to a cornerback room that lost Za’Quan Bryan in the transfer portal. John Nestor is back to lead the group though, and the Aydan could immediately be his running mate. Elisha is a safety and will provide depth on the back end.

Both West brothers are have three years of eligibility remaining. Naiim Parish and Mike Gerald are both returning corners that will play alongside Aydan. Kerry Brown broke out at the safety position in a big way last season.