Top 5 Minnesota players who have entered the transfer portal ahead of Duke's Mayo Bowl ft. Phillip Daniels 

While Minnesota's season capping bowl game is still upcoming, the Gophers have been very active in the transfer portal. Minnesota has added over a dozen players to their roster and has suffered some significant losses.

Here's a rundown on the five best Gophers who have entered the portal ahead of the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Top 5 Minnesota players to enter transfer portal ahead of Duke's Mayo Bowl

Minnesota linebacker Tyler Stolsky has moved to Florida Atlantic via the transfer portal. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#5. Sieh Bangura, RB

Bangura is living proof that the green isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. He had starred at Ohio University in the MAC, rushing for 1,078 yards and 13 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2022. He added another 811 yards and seven scores in 2023. Bangura came to Minnesota in the portal, but barely played, with four carries for 12 yards. He has returned to Ohio for his last year of eligibility.

#4. Tyler Stolsky, LB

Stolsky's situation is an unusual one. He had a very promising freshman season in 2023 but followed it up with significantly less playing time this season. In 2023, he finished with 26 tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss and a sack. He had only seven stops in 2024 and decided to move on. Stolsky's next stop is Florida Atlantic and he has two remaining seasons of eligibility.

#3. Craig McDonald, S

McDonald has had a lengthy tour since a promising 2021 season at Iowa State. In that season, his second at ISU, McDonald had 41 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Since then, he spent a year at Auburn and two at Minnesota and had just two tackles over three seasons. He opted out of Minnesota's season in October to preserve a year of eligibility at his next stop.

#2. T.J. McWilliams, WR

T.J. McWilliams, a three-star prospect from Indiana, spent two seasons at Minnesota, only playing a handful of snaps. But the 6-foot target is highly regarded, and will now have three seasons of remaining eligibility at his next stop. McWilliams picked Louisville, where he will play for pass-happy coach Jeff Brohm and the Cardinals in 2025.

#1. Phillip Daniels, OT

A massive line prospect from Cincinnati, Daniels spent two seasons at Minnesota. He played throughout 2024 and started the final four games of the regular season at right tackle. But he elected to enter the portal and promptly chose Ohio State as his next home. Daniels will retain three seasons of eligibility for the Buckeyes and will likely make a splash at his new home.

What do you make of Minnesota's transfer portal losses? Share your takes in the comments section below.