This offseason, the Gophers football program primarily focused on bolstering their offense through the transfer portal, with 10 of their new additions coming on that side of the ball. In addition to those offensive moves, Coach P.J. Fleck and his staff also brought in four defensive transfers and a kicker. More roster changes could happen during the second transfer portal window, which will be open from April 16 to 25, following spring practice.
For now, let’s take a closer look at the transfers on defense and special teams.
Defensive end
Situation: The Gophers are losing two reliable, multi-year starters in Jah Joyner and Danny Striggow, who together recorded 9.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024. With that, reinforcements were necessary to support emerging star Anthony Smith and developing edge rusher Jaxon Howard.
Transfer spotlight: Steven Curtis, Illinois State
Comment: Standing at 6-5 and 255 pounds, Curtis secured a starting role as a sophomore this season and had a strong performance with 46 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries over 14 games at the FCS-level Illinois State. The West Palm Beach, Fla., native has two years of eligibility left and also drew interest from Boston College, Cincinnati, and Kentucky.
Defensive tackle
Situation: Last season, the Gophers relied heavily on interior linemen Jalen Logan-Redding and Deven Eastern, but their goal is to rotate players to keep everyone fresh, making an addition from the transfer portal a logical move.
Transfer spotlight: Rushawn Lawrence, Stony Brook
Comment: Standing at 6-2 and 270 pounds, Lawrence bounced back from an injury-plagued 2023 season by recording 42 tackles and eight sacks, earning All-Coastal Athletic Association honors. The Philadelphia native, who previously played at Albany and Lackawanna (Pa.) College, has one year of eligibility left. He also received interest from programs like Houston, Georgia Tech, Virginia, and Washington State.
Linebacker
Situation: With standout Cody Lindenberg heading to the NFL, the Gophers looked to add depth and experience to complement Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams, the front-runners for starting roles in 2025.
Transfer spotlight: Jeff Roberson, Oklahoma State
Comment: Roberson, 6-1 and 230 pounds, is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining. He had a solid 2024 season, recording 58 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and one interception. Over five seasons at Oklahoma State, Roberson primarily contributed on special teams early in his career and took a medical redshirt in 2022.
Cornerback
Situation: With four-year starter Justin Walley and senior Ethan Robinson having exhausted their eligibility, the Gophers needed to add a cornerback, ideally one who could step in and start immediately.
Transfer spotlight: Jaylen Bowden, North Carolina Central
Comment: Following the success of Robinson (Bucknell) and Tre’Von Jones (Elon) in 2023 as productive cornerbacks from FCS schools, the Gophers are hoping Bowden can make a similar impact. At 6-2 and 155 pounds, Bowden may not be the biggest corner, but he had a strong 2024 season with 19 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Kicker
Situation: With Dragan Kesich handling the Gophers’ kickoff duties for the past three years and place-kicking duties for the past two, there are now openings to fill in both areas.
Transfer spotlight: Brady Denaburg, Syracuse
Comment: Denaburg, who has one year of eligibility remaining, has been Syracuse’s kickoff specialist for the past three seasons, recording 156 touchbacks on 198 kickoffs. He’s also made 13 of 22 field-goal attempts in his career.
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