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. The 2025 season saw Ijeboi, hailing from Folcroft, Pennsylvania, rush for a total of 461 yards on 97 carries, scoring two touchdowns over the course of 11 games. His performance notably increased following the injury to starting running back Darius Taylor.

Ijeboi’s decision comes as part of a broader trend within the Gophers program, with a total of 10 players announcing intentions to enter the transfer portal since the conclusion of the regular season. This makes Ijeboi one of the most significant contributors expressing interest in leaving the program.

Darius Taylor, who led the Gophers in rushing last season, is set to enter his senior year in 2026. In the previous season, Taylor achieved 572 yards through 119 carries and scored three touchdowns across nine games. His absence due to injuries created additional playing time for Ijeboi, which he capitalized on throughout the season.

The Gophers are also anticipating the return of tailback A.J. Turner, as confirmed by head coach P.J. Fleck. Turner, a transfer from Marshall University, had recorded 16 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury during a 27-14 loss against California on September 14, 2025. At the time of his injury, he was positioned as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart.

Looking ahead, the Gophers are set to welcome a promising incoming class that includes three running backs. The highlight of this group is four-star recruit Ryan Estrada from El Paso, Texas, joined by three-star prospects Zeke Bates from Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Niko Castillo from Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.

Senior backup Cam Davis, a transfer from Washington, will exhaust his eligibility at the end of this season. Throughout the regular season, he contributed 34 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, freshman Grant Washington added 21 carries for 133 yards in mostly one-sided games, while fellow freshman Tre Berry departed the program in November. Another true freshman, Xavier Ford, remains on the team.

As the Gophers prepare for the future, Ijeboi’s departure marks a significant change in their roster dynamics, highlighting the ongoing evolution within college football programs as players seek new opportunities.