MN Gophers Land New Kicker from Big Ten Rival
P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers need a new kicker after Brady Denaburg finished his final year of eligibility this season. The Syracuse transfer had a career-year, but the results were hardly noteworthy.
If the Gophers want to maximize the potential of Drake Lindsey on the offense, then finding a kicker like Dragan Kesich could go a long way to prop them up. Targeting talent from a school like Michigan isn’t a bad place to start.
Beckham Sunderland isn’t your traditional kicker though, in that he actually hasn’t kicked a collegiate field goal.
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Beckham Sunderland transfer to Minnesota
The Minnesota Gophers didn’t play the Michigan Wolverines this season. It was a tumultuous year in Ann Arbor, and there has been an exodus with the fallout of Sherrone Moore’s transgressions. Beckham Sunderland kicked for the Big Ten rival last year, but he’s switching allegiances.
After spending his junior season at Texas State, Sunderland transferred to Michigan. He played in all 13 games this year and was used as the kickoff specialist. Against Texas in the Cheez-It Bowl, Sunderland also contributed a 35-yard punt.
It’s uncertain as to how Minnesota will use him. Tom Weston led the Big Ten in punting yards last season , and will be a junior for the Gophers next year. Sunderland has kicked just a single extra point and not one field goal over the course of his collegiate career.
Related: MN Gophers Football Transfer Portal Tracker – 2026
If the Gophers are simply looking for a big leg specialist, he is certainly that. Sunderland signed a Major League Soccer contract as a goalkeeper out of high school. He recorded 44 touchbacks for the Wolverines last season.
Daniel Jackson, of Alexandria, will be back as a sophomore for the Gophers in 2026. He kicked just two extra points in his freshman season.
Mekhai Smith jumps at MN Gophers
After playing two seasons at the FCS level for Lehigh, Mekhai Smith signed with the Minnesota Gophers before even taking a visit.
Out of Lower Merion High School, yes Kobe Bryant’s alma mater, Smith landed at Lehigh and was an immediate contributor. As a true freshman in 2024 he recorded 40 tackle s. He pick off four passes this year in a 56-tackle campaign, and was named first-team All-Patriot League.
With Koi Perich as good as gone , Kerry Brown is the lone experienced safety returning. Smith will join Sartell, Minnesota product Parker Knutson as back-end secondary options.
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