Gopher Football Lands Former FCS Freshman All-American

The Minnesota Gophers will not stop their transfer portal plundering for anything. So amid the controversy surrounding the Twin Cities area this week, numerous campus visits went on, as scheduled.

For his determination, PJ Fleck has been rewarded with commitment after commitment after commitment over the last week. And on Saturday night, he got the 18th transfer commitment in the past eight days and fourth in the last 24 hours.

On Friday night, the first of back-to-back wide receivers (Noah Jennings – Cincinnati) committed, followed by Zion Steptoe – Tulsa Saturday morning. Then, Fleck mixed it up this afternoon when he landed a much-needed interior defensive lineman, (Xion Chapman – FIU).

Minnesota Gophers land running back transfer – TJ Thomas

By Saturday night, however, Fleck and his staff were back to building up the offense. This time, it’s 2024 freshman FCS All-American running back, TJ Thomas, a soon-to-be junior out of Elon who totaled 961 yards and 11 touchdowns in during his FCS career with the Phoenix.

Elon RB TJ Thomas is transferring to Minnesota, his agency @DreamMakersTM tells @mzenitz and I for @CBSSports.

The FCS Freshman All-American has run for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons.https://t.co/4QHdWrD4YJ pic.twitter.com/T64k9cFaMK

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 11, 2026

Thomas also returned 28 kickoffs for Elon over the past two seasons, and two punts. He can be a threat through the air too, catching 28 passes for over 200 yards and a touchdown.

There is no question over who Minnesota’s No. 1 running back is in 2026. It’s returning star, Darius Thomas. But behind the oft-injured senior, there is a lot of playing time to be had, after Fame Ijeboi entered the transfer portal, as soon as it opened last week.

Along with Taylor and Thomas, the MN Gophers have (SR) AJ Turner, (FR) Grant Washington and (FR) Xavier Ford, who combined for 47 carries for 231 yards and 1 touchdown in 2025. Purdue transfer Jaron Thomas will certainly compete for playing time, as well.

I think Minnesota fans can get used to seeing T.J. Thomas (@TJ_Thomas02) do this in the maroon and gold.

Elusive athlete
Elite speed

Could be a very exciting addition for the #Gophers. pic.twitter.com/fvvB5EF8nh

— Gophers Nation (@MinnesotaOn3) January 11, 2026