Minnesota Gophers Reload Roster Through Transfer Portal

Niko Medved's squad adds key pieces to build on last season's struggles

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of royal blue, maroon, and gold, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of a college basketball game.The Gophers' revamped roster, built through the transfer portal, promises an energetic and unpredictable style of play in the 2026-27 season.Bloomington Today

The Minnesota Gophers have positioned themselves well for the 2026-27 season, adding several key transfers to complement their returning core. After a difficult 2025-26 campaign marked by injuries, the Gophers have bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, bringing in players like North Carolina guard Kyan Evans to join holdovers like Isaac Asuma, Bobby Durkin, and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson.

Why it matters

Minnesota struggled with injuries last season, but the Gophers' transfer portal haul has them poised to bounce back. The additions of Evans, along with other versatile pieces, give head coach Niko Medved more options to build a competitive roster in the Big Ten.

The details

The Gophers' updated roster includes several key transfers, headlined by Evans from North Carolina. He'll likely slot in as a starting guard alongside returnee Isaac Asuma. In the frontcourt, Minnesota brings back Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Bobby Durkin, while adding Malick Kordel as a potential starting center. The Gophers also have depth off the bench with players like Winters Grady, Nolan Groves, and Grayson Grove.

  • Minnesota struggled through an injury-plagued 2025-26 season.
  • The Gophers have been active in the transfer portal this offseason, adding several new pieces.

The players

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Gophers, entering his second season at the helm.

Kyan Evans

A transfer guard from the University of North Carolina, who will join the Gophers for the 2026-27 season.

Isaac Asuma

A returning guard for the Minnesota Gophers, who will be a key part of their backcourt rotation.

Bobby Durkin

A returning forward for the Minnesota Gophers, providing experience and versatility in the frontcourt.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A returning forward for the Minnesota Gophers, who will anchor the team's frontcourt alongside new additions.

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What they’re saying

“After an injury-riddled 2025-26 season, any additions were going to look impressive. Medved and his coaching staff clearly had a plan for how they wanted to construct this roster, and they've executed things at a high level so far.”

— Tony Liebert, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Gophers will look to finalize their roster with one more potential addition from the transfer portal, likely targeting a post player or additional ball-handler to provide depth.

The takeaway

Minnesota's active approach in the transfer portal has given them a chance to bounce back from a difficult 2025-26 season. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, the Gophers have positioned themselves well to compete in the Big Ten in the upcoming year.