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Vermillion Today
By the People, for the People
Gophers Add Highly Productive Four-Star South Dakota Tight End
Minnesota has landed a top tight end recruit from South Dakota for its 2027 class.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:08pm
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A fractured, geometric illustration captures the dynamic athleticism of a South Dakota tight end committing to the University of Minnesota.Vermillion TodayThe University of Minnesota has added a major commitment to its 2027 recruiting class with the addition of four-star tight end Drake Mikkelsen from Lennox, South Dakota. Mikkelsen, a three-sport athlete, had a standout junior season, catching 70 passes for 1,111 yards and 17 touchdowns. He chose the Gophers over notable offers from Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Iowa State.
Why it matters
The Gophers have a strong track record of developing tight end talent, with recent players like Brevyn Spann-Ford, Ko Kieft, and Nick Kallerup all going on to the NFL. Mikkelsen is seen as the next in line to continue that tradition, and his commitment is a major boost for Minnesota's 2027 recruiting class.
The details
At 6-foot-5, Mikkelsen had a dominant junior season, catching 70 passes for 1,111 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has been on the Gophers' radar since performing at their team camp in June 2025, and he made unofficial visits to the campus last November and last month. Mikkelsen is rated as a four-star prospect, the 348th-best player in the country, the 17th-best tight end, and the second-best player in South Dakota.
- Mikkelsen performed at the Gophers' team camp in June 2025.
- Mikkelsen made an unofficial visit to Minnesota's campus in November 2025.
- Mikkelsen made another unofficial visit to Minnesota's campus last month.
The players
Drake Mikkelsen
A four-star tight end prospect from Lennox, South Dakota, who had a standout junior season with 70 receptions for 1,111 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Brevyn Spann-Ford
A former tight end for the Gophers who went on to the NFL.
Ko Kieft
A former tight end for the Gophers who went on to the NFL.
Nick Kallerup
A former tight end for the Gophers who went on to the NFL.
What they’re saying
“Row The Boat, Ski-U-Mah, and Go Gophers!!!”
— Drake Mikkelsen
The takeaway
Mikkelsen's commitment is a major coup for the Gophers, as they continue to build a strong 2027 recruiting class. His addition, along with other top prospects like Eli Diane, Taye Reich, and David Mack, positions Minnesota to have one of the best classes in the Big Ten for that cycle.
