By Tony Thomas
The Minnesota Golden Gophers took a step back in 2023, going 6-7 after a 9-4 campaign in 2022. They lost their last four regular-season games, but made the Quick Lane Bowl at 5-7, ending the season on a winning note by Bowling Green 30-24.
Minnesota returns several key starters and contributors on both sides of the ball, including 2nd Team All-Big Ten selections OT Aireontae Ersery and WR Daniel Jackson. In addition, they return talent and experience on the defensive line and at linebacker.
Coach PJ Fleck went into the transfer portal to find talent to provide depth and plug some holes on his roster, including three transfers that are sure to make an impact come September.
QB Max Brosmer
Previous School: New Hampshire Wildcats
6’2”, 221 lbs.
An FCS All-American in 2023 and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, Max Brosmer passed for 3,449 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just five INTs (in 459 pass attempts), and he completed 64% of his passes.
Minnesota landed a talented QB in UNH transfer Max Brosmer (@maxtbro) 👀
He threw for 3,459 yards and 29 touchdowns this past season. This throw against Central Michigan was on the money 🎯 pic.twitter.com/MVX3LWjJNh
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) December 4, 2023
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Brosmer averaged 314 yards passing per game, tops in the FCS. In addition, Brosmer threw multiple touchdown passes in nine of eleven games. He posted three games over 400 yards passing, including 493 yards and four touchdowns vs. FBS Central Michigan. Brosmer threw a season-high five TD passes vs. Stonehill.
RB Sieh Bangura
Previous School: Ohio Bobcats
6’0”, 209 lbs.
Sieh Bangura rushed for 811 yards and seven touchdowns a season ago. Bangura recorded three games of over 100 yards rushing and two games with multiple rushing touchdowns. Against Central Michigan, Bangura posted a season-high 126 yards rushing in a 34-20 victory.
Ohio RB Sieh Bangura CARVED up the CMU defense tonight.
– 21 carries
– 126 yardsThe Bobcats are now 8-3. Nice win for the team as they are 5-1 at home this season. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bzuv6dpxUu
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) November 16, 2023
CB Ethan Robinson
Previous School: Bucknell Bison
6’0”, 175 lbs.
A 1st Team All-Patriot League selection last season, Ethan Robinson recorded 50 tackles, three INTs, three tackles for loss, and 10 pass breakups. Robinson posted four games of seven or more tackles. In a game against Georgetown, Robinson tallied eight tackles and broke up three passes. Robinson has 154 tackles and a stellar 20 pass breakups in three seasons at Bucknell.
Bucknell transfer DB Ethan Robinson committed to Minnesota https://t.co/3gs9lRHveV
— FarrellPortal (@farrellportal) December 10, 2023
The Golden Gophers were a total of four points away from an eight-win season a year ago. Brosmer is an instant upgrade at the most important position on the field, and Minnesota has the talent and experience to get back to a winning season in 2024.
