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Minnesota Targets Dot Latest Rivals300 for 2027 Class
Gophers have several top prospects on their recruiting board ranked in the updated national rankings.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:43pm
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Rivals released its latest rankings for the Class of 2027, and the state of Minnesota is well-represented among the top targets for the Gophers. Several in-state prospects as well as regional standouts with Minnesota offers are featured throughout the Rivals300, including defensive end C.J. Johnson, defensive tackle Nehemiah Ombati, and offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey.
Why it matters
The Gophers are looking to build on their recent recruiting success, and having multiple top-300 targets in their backyard and surrounding region is a positive sign for their 2027 class. Landing elite talent from Minnesota and the Midwest will be crucial for the program to continue its upward trajectory.
The details
While none of Minnesota's three current 2027 commitments cracked the Rivals300, the Gophers have several high-profile targets peppered throughout the rankings. Defensive end C.J. Johnson from Cretin-Derham Hall is the top-ranked Minnesotan at No. 198 overall, while Shakopee defensive tackle Nehemiah Ombati checks in at No. 213. Other notable Gophers targets include Michigan offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey (No. 95), Ohio interior offensive lineman Dominic Black (No. 184), and a trio of tight ends in Brooks Bakko (No. 143), Drake Mikkelsen (No. 229), and Cooper Terwilliger (No. 237).
- Rivals released its updated 2027 rankings on February 23, 2026.
The players
C.J. Johnson
A defensive end prospect from Cretin-Derham Hall in Minnesota, ranked as the No. 198 player nationally and the 19th-best edge defender in the 2027 class.
Nehemiah Ombati
A defensive tackle from Shakopee, Minnesota, ranked as the No. 213 player nationally and the 27th-best defensive lineman in the 2027 class.
Jakari Lipsey
An offensive tackle prospect from Kalamazoo, Michigan, ranked as the No. 95 player nationally in the 2027 class.
Dominic Black
An interior offensive lineman from Tri-Village, Ohio, ranked as the No. 184 player nationally in the 2027 class.
Brooks Bakko
A tight end prospect from Kindred, North Dakota, ranked as the No. 143 player nationally in the 2027 class.
What’s next
With the updated rankings, the Gophers will look to continue their pursuit of these top targets and solidify their 2027 recruiting class in the months ahead.
The takeaway
Minnesota's ability to land elite talent from within the state and the surrounding Midwest region will be crucial for the program's long-term success. The Gophers have several high-profile 2027 targets ranked in the Rivals300, giving them a strong foundation to build their next recruiting class.
