The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball team, under new head coach Niko Medved, has secured four verbal commitments for its 2026 recruiting class, ranked No. 13 nationally and No. 7 in the Big Ten per 247Sports.
This group, emphasizing in-state talent, lays a strong foundation for a program rebounding from a turbulent offseason following the transition from Ben Johnson to Medved. With the November 2025 signing period approaching, the class blends local pride with versatile skill sets, offering hope for a Gophers resurgence.
Nolen Anderson (SF, 6-6, 180 lbs, Wayzata) is a versatile wing who led Wayzata to a Class 4A state title, averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, and shooting 40.9% from three as a junior. His length, athleticism, and defensive versatility make him a high-floor fit for Medved’s up-tempo, spacing-heavy system, though adding strength is key for Big Ten physicality. Committing on July 31, 2025, he chose Minnesota over Virginia Tech and mid-majors, ranking as the state’s No. 3 prospect.
Cedric Tomes (PG, 6-0, 160 lbs, East Ridge) is a dynamic scoring guard, averaging 27.3 points and earning Suburban East Conference Player of the Year honors. Known for his NBA-range shooting and quickness, the dual-sport athlete (varsity QB) committed on May 10, 2025, over Iowa State and Oklahoma. His size may pose challenges, but his playmaking and speed add backcourt spark, drawing comparisons to Medved’s former Colorado State star Isaiah Stevens.
Two unconfirmed commitments, recently noted by recruiting trackers, include a guard/wing and a 6-4 forward. Details remain limited, but the forward addresses critical frontcourt needs, complementing the perimeter-heavy core. Medved’s staff is targeting bigs like 6-10 PF Quinn Costello (top-70 nationally), 6-10 C Chadrack Mpoyi, and 6-6 SG Lucas Morillo (top-60), who visited in August 2025. Landing one could push the class into top-10 territory.
Despite losing top in-state talents like Christian Wiggins to Iowa State, retaining Minnesota’s No. 3 and No. 5 prospects boosts fan engagement and pipeline development. Medved’s recruiting success at Colorado State suggests more additions are likely. This class, blending local roots with competitive promise, positions the Gophers for a bright future.
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