Gophers Bulk Up D-Line via Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has been open for just three days, and programs across the country are already racing to reshape their rosters for the 2026 season. P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers wasted little time, landing a major commitment earlier this week from offensive lineman Bennett Warren.

While not every eligible player is returning, Minnesota has managed to keep several key contributors in place. The Gophers continue to be active on the recruiting trail, and their latest addition comes on the defensive side of the ball with the signing of defensive tackle Naquan Crowder.

Naquan Crowder Signs With Minnesota Gophers

The MN Gophers will be without defensive line starters Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding next season after both exhausted their eligibility. Reinforcing the interior was a clear priority, and Naquan Crowder now becomes an important piece of that plan.

This is my Next chapter to the NFL I just wanna thank God first also wanna thank my Mom imma keep grinding with that being said I will be committing to Minnesota let’s do it @espn @ESPNCFB @B1Gfootball @MinnesotaOn3 @GopherFootball #rowtheboat #havoc pic.twitter.com/m8DzocPg4G

— Naquan Crowder (@crowder_naquan) January 5, 2026

Crowder spent the 2025 season as a sophomore at Marshall, appearing in 11 games and recording 26 total tackles, including three for loss. He also notched his first sack at the Division I level.

Before transferring to Marshall, Crowder played his redshirt freshman season in 2024 at the Division II level, where he started all 13 games. As a high school prospect in Pennsylvania, he earned all-state honors as both a junior and senior.

A look at Crowder’s Pro Football Focus grades suggest plenty of upside. He posted an overall defensive grade of 76.3 and was especially strong against the run, earning an 83.4 grade in that area.

Last season, Danny Collins’ defense was frequently gashed on the ground, particularly up the middle. Crowder’s presence should help address that vulnerability.

With Nate Becker and Rushawn Lawrence also exhausting their eligibility, Crowder is expected to step into a starting role immediately. P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers beat out Illinois, Arkansas, and Penn State to secure his commitment.