PJ Fleck Lands Dynamic New Weapon for Gopher Offense

The college football season is officially over for everyone except the four teams remaining in the College Football Playoff. P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers wrapped up their year with a thrilling overtime victory against New Mexico in the Rate Bowl.

Now, for most programs, the focus has fully shifted to the transfer portal. The MN Gophers continue to stack commitments, and even the expected loss of Koi Perich hasn’t slowed the momentum for a program bringing in the best recruiting class in school history.

On Monday, Fleck landed a wide receiver who should immediately raise the ceiling for returning starting quarterback Drake Lindsey. Perry Thompson has the potential to be a star.

Perry Thompson Lands With MN Gophers

Just days earlier, the Gophers added Lindsey’s backup in Michael Merdinger. Lindsey will remain under center next season, and Perry Thompson now arrives as a major upgrade to Minnesota’s passing arsenal.

BREAKING: Auburn transfer WR Perry Thompson has Committed to Minnesota, he tells @On3Sports

The 6’3 213 WR was ranked as a Top 50 Recruit in the 2024 Class (per On3 Industry)

He’ll have 2 years of eligibility remaininghttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/GoJYoOqCFW

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026

As a high school prospect, Thompson ranked as the No. 8 wide receiver and No. 38 overall player nationally, according to 247 Sports. A former four-star recruit, he also entered the portal as a four-star transfer.

At 6’3″ and 222 pounds, Thompson brings prototypical size on the outside. He appeared in ten games as a freshman but recorded just five receptions. Last season, he played in 12 games and caught 17 passes for 154 yards.

Le’Meke Brockington did not participate in the Rate Bowl after declaring for the NFL Draft, leaving a young and thin wide receiver room. Javon Tracy is the most experienced returner, while UCLA transfer Logan Loya is out of eligibility.

Redshirt freshman Jalen Smith flashed serious upside this season, including multiple highlight-reel catches. The Mankato native also hauled in the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Rate Bowl.

WHAT A CATCH AND WHAT A FINISH FOR @GopherFootball 💥 pic.twitter.com/IG3E3cNNWg

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 27, 2025

The losses don’t stop there. Tight ends Jameson Geers and Drew Biber are also finished with their college careers, significantly shrinking Lindsey’s group of pass catchers. Thompson’s arrival should immediately elevate the entire unit, and his SEC experience only adds to his value.

Thompson will be coached by newly hired wide receivers coach and former Gophers standout Isaac Fruechte. Fleck must lean into the reality that Lindsey is capable of commanding a high-level passing attack if given the opportunity next season.

New MN Native Coming to Play Safety for Gophers

With Koi Perich entering the transfer portal following an underwhelming sophomore season, Minnesota needed help at safety. Fleck once again looked in-state to fill the void.

#AGTG #RTB #SkiUMah #GoGophers pic.twitter.com/Db53iD2Xqr

— Parker Knutson (@KnutsonParker) January 6, 2026

Sartell, Minnesota native Parker Knutson has signed with the Gopers after spending two seasons at Southwest Minnesota State University (Division II). He departs the Mustangs after spending two years in the program.

Last season, Knutson led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in interceptions, picking off eight passes, a new single-season school record. His 13 career interceptions are also a program record, despite playing just two seasons in Marshall.

While the jump in competition will be significant, the Gophers clearly believe Knutson has the ability to compete for a starting role immediately.