Breaking News: Minnesota Golden Gophers receiver Malachi Coleman is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, shaking up the team's roster! This announcement, revealed by On3's Pete Nakos, signals a significant shift for the team. Coleman, who played for the Golden Gophers for the past two seasons, including eight games in 2025, is now seeking a new opportunity. But what does this mean for Minnesota? Let's dive in.
During the most recent season, Coleman showcased his skills with five catches, totaling 85 yards. Before his time with Minnesota, he began his college career at Nebraska in 2023. There, he made eight catches for 139 yards and even scored a touchdown with the Cornhuskers. This versatility demonstrates his ability to contribute to a team's offensive strategy.
Coleman's journey began at Lincoln East (NE) High School, where he was a highly regarded four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He earned a spot as the No. 60 overall player and the No. 10 receiver according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. This ranking is a composite score that considers the opinions of all three major recruiting services, highlighting his widespread recognition.
With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Coleman brings valuable experience to his next team. He has played in a total of 20 college games, giving him a solid foundation. This experience will likely make him an attractive prospect for other programs looking to bolster their receiving corps.
Minnesota is coming off an 8-5 season, highlighted by a victory in the Rate Bowl against New Mexico. Under the guidance of coach PJ Fleck, this marks the fifth time in eight seasons that the Golden Gophers have achieved the eight-win mark. However, Coleman's departure is part of a larger trend.
Here's where it gets controversial... Malachi Coleman is the 12th player from Minnesota to announce their intention to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Notably, he's the fifth receiver to do so, joining Cristian Driver, Legend Lyons, Kenric Lanier, and Quentin Redding. This exodus of talent poses a challenge for Minnesota, as they'll need to work hard to fill these crucial positions.
And this is the part most people miss... The upcoming transfer portal window is the only opportunity for student-athletes to enter their names. The NCAA has eliminated the spring transfer portal window for football, creating a single, focused period for players to explore their options. This window opens on January 2nd and closes on January 16th. Athletes on College Football Playoff teams will have five days after their final game to enter the portal.
The CFP semifinals are scheduled for January 8th and 9th, with the national championship game on January 19th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This concentrated timeline adds another layer of complexity to the transfer portal process.
What are your thoughts on the transfer portal's impact on college football? Do you think the single transfer window is a good move? Share your opinions in the comments below!
