Iowa Linebacker Sets Minnesota Football Official Visit

Kason Clayborne, a top junior recruit, will visit the Gophers in May.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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2027 Sioux City (Iowa) linebacker Kason Clayborne, one of the top juniors in Iowa, has set an official visit with the University of Minnesota football program for their first Summer Splash weekend on May 29th. Clayborne has already received offers from several schools, including North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Kansas State, Kansas, Michigan State, Purdue, Minnesota, Arizona, and Dartmouth.

Why it matters

Securing an official visit from a highly-touted in-state recruit like Clayborne is an important step for the Minnesota Gophers as they look to build their 2027 recruiting class. Landing top local talent is crucial for the program's long-term success.

The details

Clayborne first connected with the Gophers during a gameday visit this past fall. Minnesota linebacker coach Mariano Sori-Marin and defensive coordinator Danny Collins have since visited Clayborne's home in western Iowa twice in January to meet with him and his parents. The Gophers coaching staff has not yet been to Clayborne's campus, but he says he "loves the Minnesota coaches" and is excited to see the campus during his official visit in May.

  • Clayborne first connected with the Gophers during a gameday visit this past fall.
  • In January, Minnesota coaches Mariano Sori-Marin and Danny Collins visited Clayborne's home twice.
  • Clayborne has set an official visit with Minnesota for their first Summer Splash weekend on May 29, 2027.

The players

Kason Clayborne

A 2027 linebacker prospect from Sioux City, Iowa who is considered one of the top juniors in the state. He has already received offers from several Division I programs.

Mariano Sori-Marin

The linebackers coach for the University of Minnesota football team.

Danny Collins

The defensive coordinator for the University of Minnesota football team.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Collins and Sori-Marin got to meet my parents, and we talked about campus there too. They haven't been to the campus yet, but they love the Minnesota coaches.”

— Kason Clayborne, Linebacker Prospect (247sports.com)

What’s next

Clayborne will visit the University of Minnesota campus on May 29th for the program's first Summer Splash weekend, where he will have the opportunity to further connect with the coaching staff and experience the school's facilities.

The takeaway

Securing an official visit from a top in-state recruit like Kason Clayborne is an important step for the Minnesota Gophers as they look to build their 2027 recruiting class. Landing local talent is crucial for the program's long-term success, and Clayborne's visit will allow the coaching staff to make their pitch directly to the highly-touted linebacker prospect.