New Tight End Lands in Dinkytown for MN Gophers
The Minnesota Gophers’ transfer portal success since the 2026 portal season began on January 2, has been pretty impressive. And PJ Fleck didn’t stop Wednesday, when he reeled in the 14th transfer commitment in the last five days.
Kaden Helms signs with Minnesota Gophers
After taking a visit to Minneapolis earlier this week, Oklahoma Sooners senior tight end Kaden Helms, a 2022 4-star out of Bellevue, Nebraska.
Minnesota has a landed a commitment from Oklahoma tight end transfer Kaden Helms, his agents @david_benzaken and @M_Mussell4 tell me and @chris_hummer.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2026
6-foot-5, 240-pound former four-star recruit who posted five catches and a touchdown this season. pic.twitter.com/rRK12u4WoH
Kaden Helms should add another veteran in Minnesota huddle for QB Drake Lindsey, not to mention the new blocking/receiving weapon Helms’ 6-5, 238 pound frame should provide the Gopher offense in 2026.
Hopefully Greg Harbaugh can get him more involved than Oklahoma ever did. In three seasons, Helms played 21 games as a Sooner, where he grabbed only 8 total receptions (for 35 yards and a touchdown).
Helms gets new football opportunity with Gophers
In 2025, Helms sat behind linebacker-turned-tight-end Jaren Kanak, who paced all Sooner tight ends with 533 receiving yards. Both Minnesota tight ends (Jameson Geers and Drew Biber) were seniors this season.
Related: Minnesota Gophers Pull Talented Brother Duo Out of Portal
Prior to Kaden Helms announcing his commitment, Pierce Walsh — 2 receptions in 13 games played — was the most experienced tight end returning to Dinkytown for 2026. Helms will come into the Gopher tight end room, along with top recruits Roman Voss and George Rohl, all three of which could push for playing time.
Minnesota still has spots to fill before the start of 2026, after 23 players from the 2025 roster entered the transfer portal. Most departures were depth pieces. Obviously, Fleck and his staff are trying to replace them with upgrades.
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