Gophers Flip Versatile Top Commit in Surprise Recruiting Win

The Gophers may be just days away from facing the nation’s top-ranked team on the road, but P.J. Fleck and his staff are still making recruiting moves.

Portage (Mich.) three-star prospect Charlie Jilek, committed to UCF since April 7, flipped to Minnesota on Wednesday night. He’s the second 2026 recruit this week to change course and pledge to the Gophers, joining Wisconsin tight end George Rohl.

 

 

 

 

At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Charlie Jilek was recruited by UCF as a tight end, but Minnesota plans to use him at linebacker. He also held offers from San Diego State, Western Michigan, and Ohio before initially choosing UCF.

Like fellow flip George Rohl, Jilek picked up a Minnesota scholarship offer on Sept. 28 and needed less than a week to change his commitment. His pledge comes after the Gophers lost Utah wide receiver Kai Meza and Oklahoma offensive lineman Daniel McMorris, bringing their 2026 class back up to 24 verbal commitments.

Jilek was highly productive as a junior at Portage Central (Mich.), recording more than 100 tackles, and he’s off to another strong senior season. He gives P.J. Fleck and his staff another intriguing developmental piece in their 2026 recruiting class.

Minnesota 2026 Recruiting Class (24 Verbal Commitments)

• Andrew Trout, OL – Rocori (MN)

• Justin Hopkins, CB – Nashville (TN)

• Howie Johnson, DL – Forest Lake (MN)

• Gavin Meier, OL – Janesville (WI)

• Hayden Moore, WR – Newberry (FL)

• Rico Blassingame, WR – Tolleson (AZ)

• Owen Lansu, QB – Downers Grove (IL)

• Ezekiel Bates, RB – Malvern (PA)

• Mataalii Benjamin, OT – Lehi (UT)

• Hudson Dunn, LB – Peoria (AZ)

• Angel Luciano, LB – Steelton (PA)

• Anthony Charles, DE – McDonald (PA)

• Chance Payne, CB – Jefferson (GA)

• Aaden Aytch, DE – Lafayette (IN)

• Lucas Tielsch, OL – Akron (OH)

• Jordan Lampkins, S – Bolingbrook (IL)

• Jeremiah Benson, DL – West Bloomfield (MI)

• Gabe Weaver, TE – St. Louis (MO)

• Josiah Anyansi, DL – Murrieta (CA)

• Ryan Estrada, RB – El Paso (TX)

• Trason Richardson, S – Rosharon (TX)

• Roman Voss, TE – Jackson (MN)

• George Rohl, TE – Ellsworth (WI)

• Charlie Jilek, LB – Portage (MI)

 

Source: SI.com