There is still plenty of development for Lindsey to undergo, and if he maxes that out, a long NFL career would hardly be a shock. A team is not one player deep, though, and depth is always necessary.

Minnesota landed their first transfer portal commitment on Friday in the form of Liberty quarterback Michael Merdinger.

Michael Merdinger joins Minnesota Gophers quarterback room

There is no reason to believe Drake Lindsey won’t start at quarterback for the Minnesota Gophers next season. He could have a new backup in Liberty transfer Michael Merdinger.

BREAKING: Liberty transfer QB Michael Merdinger has committed to Minnesota, @PeteNakos reports🛶https://t.co/twx2zKBxOG pic.twitter.com/OwLUXOvOqa

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 2, 2026

As a three-star recruit out of Florida in 2024, Merdinger was offered by the Minnesota Gophers. He chose to go to North Carolina instead.

Merdinger played in just one game as a true freshman for the Tar Heels before transferring to Liberty last season. With the Flames in 2025, Merdinger played in five games and completed 21-of-41 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown.

Liberty starter Ethan Vasko played in 10 games, but led Conference USA with 12 interceptions. Merdinger opted against returning to Jamey Chadwell’s 4-8 Liberty squad and will battle for time in Minnesota instead.

Last season the Minnesota Gophers used Max Shikenjanski as their backup. He played in two games and completed 4-of-5 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. Merdinger has two years of eligibility remaining.

The Gophers seem as though they’ll lose Koi Perich in the transfer portal, but Anthony Smith, Karter Menz, and Darius Taylor have reportedly agreed to stay.