Gophers Running Back Fame Ijeboi to Enter Transfer Portal in January

Fame Ijeboi, the second-leading rusher for the Minnesota Gophers, has announced plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, 2026. During his redshirt freshman season, Ijeboi, hailing from Folcroft, Pennsylvania, rushed for a total of 461 yards on 97 carries and scored two touchdowns across 11 games.

With the Gophers facing injuries to their starting players, Ijeboi stepped up significantly this season, particularly when leading rusher Darius Taylor was sidelined. Taylor, who is set to enter his senior season in 2026, had 572 yards on 119 carries and three touchdowns in nine games before his injury limited his contributions.

As of now, Ijeboi is among 10 players from the Gophers who have indicated their intention to enter the transfer portal. His decision marks one of the most notable departures, given his contributions to the team and the potential impact on the Gophers’ running back lineup.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

The future of the Gophers’ backfield remains uncertain, but head coach P.J. Fleck confirmed last week that tailback A.J. Turner is expected to return for the 2026 season. Turner, a transfer from Marshall, had a promising start with 16 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown before a season-ending injury occurred during the 27-14 loss to California on September 14, 2025. He was previously positioned as the second option on the depth chart.

In addition to returning players, the Gophers have solid recruitment prospects for the upcoming season. The incoming class includes three running backs, highlighted by four-star recruit Ryan Estrada from El Paso, Texas, alongside three-star prospects Zeke Bates of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Niko Castillo of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.

The Gophers will also bid farewell to senior backup Cam Davis, a transfer from Washington, who will run out of eligibility after this season. Davis contributed significantly with 34 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.

Freshman running back Grant Washington made a mark as well, adding 21 carries for 133 yards primarily in games where the Gophers had commanding leads. Fellow freshman Tre Berry departed the program in November, while another freshman, Xavier Ford, remains with the team.

As the Gophers prepare for the next season with changes in their roster, the impact of these decisions, particularly Ijeboi’s, will be closely monitored as they seek to build a competitive team in the upcoming campaign.