The Minnesota Golden Gophers, under head coach Niko Medved, are aggressively building their 2026 recruiting class, targeting a mix of elite in-state and national prospects. With one commit secured in Cedric Tomes, a 6-foot point guard from East Ridge High School in Saint Paul, the Gophers are poised to add more high-caliber talent to their roster.
Tomes, ranked No. 5 in Minnesota’s 2026 class by 247Sports, brings dynamic scoring ability, averaging 27.3 points per game as a junior. His commitment reflects Medved’s focus on retaining local stars, bolstered by assistant coach Dave Thorson’s relationship-building. However, the Gophers missed out on Dothan Ijadimbola, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Totino-Grace in Minneapolis, who remains a top target. Rated 89 by 247Sports, Ijadimbola’s versatility and athleticism make him a priority, though he’s also courted by six other programs.
Nationally, Minnesota is eyeing Joe Philon, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Montverde Academy in Florida, ranked No. 50 overall with a 93 rating. His size and skill set align with Medved’s vision for a versatile frontcourt. Another high-profile target is Arafan Diane, a 7-foot-1 center from Iowa United Prep, ranked No. 23 nationally with a 96 rating. Diane’s dominance in the paint could elevate the Gophers’ interior presence.
The Gophers are also scouting players like Junior County, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Wasatch Academy (93 rating), and Ryan Kreager, a 6-foot-9 center from Faribault, Minnesota (88 rating), blending national reach with in-state focus. Other prospects, including Julius Price, Quinn Costello, Josh Manchester, JoJo Mitchell, and Mason Lockett, round out a diverse watchlist. This recruitment push signals Medved’s intent to build a competitive Big Ten roster for 2026.
Leave a Reply