The Gophers football program kicked off the early signing period with a strong class, welcoming over fifteen of the thirty-one expected players. This early start gives them a head start on winter conditioning and spring practices. Notable additions include wide receiver Quayd Hendryx, defensive lineman Jeremiah Benson, and offensive tackle Lucas Tielsch, among others. These new Gophers bring talent and potential to the team, set to make a significant impact in the coming seasons.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gophers football program kicked off the early signing period with a strong class, welcoming over fifteen recruits to join in January. Quayd Hendryx, a dynamic wide receiver from New Jersey, and Jeremiah Benson, a tackle-for-loss machine from Michigan, were among the first to sign. Anthony Charles, a tall and athletic defensive lineman from Pennsylvania, and Lucas Tielsch, a massive offensive tackle from Ohio, also joined the team. Niko Castillo, a versatile running back from Pennsylvania, rounded out the early signings, bringing dual-threat abilities to the Gophers offense. These early commitments highlight the programs focus on building a strong foundation for future seasons.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angel Luciano, a promising linebacker from Steelton, Pennsylvania, has committed to the University of Minnesota. Standing at six feet one inch and weighing two hundred twenty-five pounds, Luciano brings significant talent to the Golden Gophers football program. His commitment marks a big win for Minnesota, securing a player with a strong athletic profile. Luciano chose Minnesota over several other Power Five schools, highlighting the growing appeal of the Gophers program. Scouts note that Luciano will need to continue developing his strength and refining his technique at the collegiate level, focusing on improving his ability to shed blocks and enhance his pass coverage skills. This commitment is a significant step for both Luciano and the University of Minnesota, as they look forward to his contributions on the field in the coming seasons.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chance Payne, a standout cornerback from Georgia, commits to University of Minnesota, bringing his impressive skills to the Big Ten. Known for his physical play and quick reaction, Paynes stock has risen after a strong performance at an Under Armour camp, clocking a four-point-four-four second forty-yard dash. Hell join the team this spring, marking a promising future for both Payne and the Golden Gophers.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minnesota Golden Gophers secure top recruit Aaden Aytch for 2025 season; Indiana defensive end brings impressive size, skills, and high composite rating to the team.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucas Tielsch, a highly sought-after offensive tackle, signs with University of Minnesota, marking a significant addition to their roster. Despite offers from several Power Five programs, Tielsch chooses Minnesota, expected to join the team in the spring. His impressive size and skill set make him an ideal candidate for pass protection and run blocking, with potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremiah Benson, a 63, 265-pound defensive lineman from West Bloomfield, Michigan, has committed to Iowa State. Rated with a composite score of 0.8456, Benson will join the team as an early enrollee this spring. Known for his explosive off-the-line quickness, hes expected to be a disruptive force as a defensive tackle. While he currently plays as a three-technique player, his physical development could see him shift to a zero-technique role. This commitment marks an exciting new chapter for both Benson and the Iowa State football program.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quayd Hendryx, a versatile athlete from Atco, New Jersey, is making waves in the football world. Standing at five feet eleven inches and weighing one hundred seventy-five pounds, hes caught the attention of top college programs like Nebraska, Syracuse, and West Virginia. His senior season was impressive, with thirty-six catches for six hundred sixty-five yards and ten touchdowns. But its his speed, excellent hands, and wide catch radius that truly set him apart. Despite being expected to play as a slot receiver due to his current size, his potential to grow physically could see him transition to an outside receiver role.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Charles, a six-foot-five, one hundred ninety-six-pound defensive end from McDonald, Pennsylvania, has committed to a Power Four university as an early enrollee. Hes received scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Michigan, Penn State, and West Virginia, showcasing his potential. During his junior season, Charles recorded twenty-eight tackles, six sacks, fifteen quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks. Scouts praise his length and athleticism, but hell need to add size and strength to compete at the Power Four level. Charles is seen as a developmental player with a high motor and significant upside.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jalen Smith, Gophers redshirt freshman wide receiver, has re-signed with the team, confirming his return for the 2026 season. This trend, driven by NIL rules, sees athletes benefiting financially from their college programs. Smiths decision boosts the Gophers offense, with his 22 receptions, 335 yards, and 2 TDs in 2025. As a promising deep threat, hes poised to become a top target in 2026, with an established connection to QB Drake Lindsey.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early national signing period for the 2026 football recruiting cycle opens on Wednesday, with the Gophers having 31 committed players, including 30 high school recruits and 1 junior college player. Their class ranks 24th nationally, a promising sign for the programs future. Several committed players, like Howie Johnson and Andrew Trout, will sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. The coming days will be crucial as these verbal commitments become official signings, solidifying the Gophers roster for the 2026 season.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Daily News Now expands to new cities in the US, including Savannah, Jackson, Charleston, Portland, Providence, Birmingham, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Dover. Now available in over 120 US cities and in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Listen to your local show by searching for your city name followed by News in your podcast app.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The University of Minnesotas Gophers football program has secured a top-25 recruiting class for 2026, ranking 7th in the Big Ten. The class includes 5 four-star prospects and 21 three-star prospects from various states, indicating a strategic approach to building a competitive team.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Transfer Class Faces Criticism: A Season of Disappointments and Bright SpotsThe Minnesota Golden Gophers football teams transfer class received a failing grade this season, with nearly two dozen additions largely missing the mark. Despite head coach P.J. Flecks past success in the transfer portal, the team struggled in key positions, with many players failing to make a significant impact.Quarterback Zach Pyron transferred out quickly, and Emmett Morehead never saw playing time. Running back A.J. Turner suffered a season-ending injury, and Cam Davis didnt produce much. The offensive line transfers, Marcellus Marshall and Dylan Ray, struggled significantly, and defensive line additions failed to provide needed depth.However, there were a few bright spots. Wide receiver Javon Tracy finished second on the team in receptions and led in touchdowns, and defensive back John Nestor was a notable success, starting ten games and leading the team in interceptions and pass break-ups.As many of these players are out of eligibility, the Gophers will need to re-evaluate their transfer strategy for the upcoming season to improve their performance on the field.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minnesota Gophers football secures top-25 recruiting class, ranking 24th nationally, with 31 commitments, including top in-state talent and promising defensive linemen like Jeremiah Benson.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Corey here, excited to share that The Daily News Now is now available in more cities across the US, including Savannah, Jackson, Charleston, Portland, Providence, Birmingham, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Dover. With over 120 cities covered, DNN is also expanding globally to the UK, Canada, and Australia. Tune in for fast, accurate, human-voiced local news, just search for your city name followed by News in your podcast app.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Daily News Now expands to more US cities, including Savannah, Jackson, Charleston, Portland, Providence, Birmingham, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Dover. Now in over 120 US cities and global locations, DNN offers fast, accurate, human-voiced local news. Search for your city name followed by News in your podcast app to listen.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early national signing period for the 2026 high school football recruiting class opens on Wednesday, with the University of Minnesotas class currently ranked 24th nationally. Coach P.J. Flecks best recruiting class so far was in 2024, ranked 33rd. Local talents like Howie Johnson and Andrew Trout, along with commits from across the country, are set to sign their National Letters of Intent. After the high school signing period, the focus will shift to the transfer portal, which opens on January 2nd, providing an opportunity for Minnesota to further enhance its 2026 roster.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers, led by head coach P.J. Fleck, completed their 2025 regular season with a 7-5 record, surpassing preseason expectations but falling short of a top-tier performance. The teams defense, under new coordinator Danny Collins, allowed 23.4 points per game, a significant increase from the previous year. The offense, coordinated by Greg Harbaugh Jr., averaged 23.2 points per game, ranking 99th nationally. Despite a strong recruiting class and promising quarterback Drake Lindsey, the teams coordinators performance remains a concern for the programs progress.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Hopkins, a highly-touted high school football player from Nashville, Tennessee, is set to sign with the Minnesota Gophers. Recognized early by former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, Hopkins received over thirty offers from major college programs. Despite interest from in-state schools, he chose Minnesota due to its electric atmosphere and passionate coaching staff, particularly head coach P.J. Fleck and cornerbacks coach Nick Monroe. Hopkins, who was coached by the Hasselbeck brothers and other former NFL players, plans to early enroll at Minnesota in January, open to playing any position that benefits the team.

The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.