Texas Tech Guard Jaylen Petty Meets with Minnesota Gophers

The highly-touted freshman guard is considering a transfer to the Gophers after a standout debut season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the fluid, fast-paced movements of a basketball player driving to the hoop, conceptually representing the exciting prospect of Jaylen Petty's potential transfer to the Minnesota Gophers.A dynamic illustration capturing the explosive energy and potential of Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty as he considers joining the Minnesota Gophers.Today in Tampa

Texas Tech freshman guard Jaylen Petty has completed or scheduled Zoom meetings with several top college basketball programs, including the Minnesota Gophers, as he explores a potential transfer. Petty, a 6-foot-1 guard, had a breakout debut season for the Red Raiders, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His decision to enter the transfer portal has surprised many, as he was expected to be Texas Tech's starting point guard next season. Minnesota is among the schools vying for Petty's services, along with the likes of Kansas, Vanderbilt and UCLA.

Why it matters

Petty's potential transfer to Minnesota would be a major coup for the Gophers, as he is considered one of the top freshmen in the transfer portal. His addition would significantly bolster the Gophers' backcourt and give them a talented young guard to build around alongside returning star Isaac Asuma.

The details

Petty, a 6-foot-1, 168-pound guard, had a standout true freshman season at Texas Tech, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 40.6% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range and 77.1% from the free throw line. His decision to enter the transfer portal was somewhat surprising, as he was expected to be the Red Raiders' starting point guard next season following the departure of Christian Anderson to the NBA Draft.

  • Petty entered the transfer portal in April 2026.

The players

Jaylen Petty

A 6-foot-1, 168-pound freshman guard who had a breakout debut season at Texas Tech, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Christian Anderson

The former Texas Tech starting point guard who has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, opening the door for Petty to potentially take over the role.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Gophers, who is actively recruiting Petty and other top transfer portal prospects this offseason.

Isaac Asuma

The returning star guard for the Minnesota Gophers, who could form a formidable backcourt duo with Petty if he were to transfer to Minnesota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Petty taking the time to even meet with the Gophers at all is a great sign for where things are trending for under Medved. The transfer portal cycle has plenty of twists and turns, and his recruitment is just the latest.”

— Tony Liebert, Writer

What’s next

Petty is expected to continue meeting with interested programs over the coming weeks as he evaluates his transfer options. The Gophers will look to make a strong pitch to the talented guard in hopes of landing his commitment.

The takeaway

Jaylen Petty's potential transfer to Minnesota would be a major boost for the Gophers, as they look to build a contender in the Big Ten. His addition would give the team a dynamic young guard to pair with Isaac Asuma and could help propel Minnesota back to the NCAA Tournament.