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This Gophers transfer has quickly become one of Minnesota's most impactful players
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- This Gophers transfer has quickly become one of Minnesota's most impactful players
The Gophers had another busy offseason before the 2026-27 campaign, with 19 additions from the transfer portal. TJ Bush Jr. and Aydan West have been defensive studs, and TJ Thomas has been a productive running back, but former Cincinnati wide receiver Noah Jennings might be the most impactful so far.
According to 247Sports, Jennings was Minnesota's sixth-highest-rated transfer portal addition from the offseason. He was the 377th-best player and 79th-best receiver on the final list. Through five weeks, he has shattered expectations.
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Jennings has 26 catches for 345 yards, which ranks first on the Gophers and 10th in the Big Ten. Among players with at least 100 snaps, he ranks third on Minnesota's offense with a 78.4 grade, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He might've had his best game of the season against Michigan , with nine offensive touches for 102 total yards.
Jennings was a productive player for two seasons at Charleston Southern before transferring up a level to Cincinnati last fall. Led by talented QB Brendan Sorsby, the Bearcats had one of the best offenses in the Big 12, but Jennings was fourth on the team in receiving yards. He has already surpassed the 23 catches for 323 yards and zero touchdowns he had in 2025.
Outside of a few exceptions, like Daniel Jackson and Elijah Spencer in 2024, the Gophers have struggled to find consistency in the wide receiver room since Rashod Bateman declared for the NFL Draft in 2020. Between developing high school talent and evaluating transfer portal options, it has been a struggle. P.J. Fleck opted to move on from longtime receivers coach Matt Simon in the offseason and bring in North Dakota offensive coordinator and former Gophers receiver Isaac Fruechte. That decision is paying off so far.
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Javon Tracy has added an element to the special teams unit as the Gophers' primary punt returner, and Jalen Smith leads the team with two receiving touchdowns, but Jennings has been their most impactful pass catcher through five games. The NCAA's new five-for-five eligibility rules mean that he will have the option to return to college for the 2027-28 season.
Minnesota is averaging 234.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 66th in the country, and it would be its most as a program since 2019. Quarterback Drake Lindsey has had his growing pains this season, but he continues to develop and trend in the right direction.
Jennings and the overall improvement in the receiver room are big reasons why.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
