Prior Lake defensive lineman Jide Abasiri gave a verbal commitment to USC on Thursday, announcing on the X platform that he'll join the Trojans' 2024 recruiting class.
Prior Lake's Jide Abasiri chooses USC after decommitting from Gophers
Jide Abasiri, a Prior Lake defensive lineman rated as a three-star recruit, originally committed to the Gophers before he got his offer from Southern Cal.
December 14, 2023 at 5:34PM
A 6-5, 290-pound three-star recruit, Abasiri originally gave a verbal commitment to the Gophers on March 25. On Nov. 19, he received an offer from the Trojans, and last weekend made his official visit to the USC campus. On Monday, he rescinded his Minnesota commitment.
Abasiri is the No. 3-ranked player in Minnesota and the 54th-ranked defensive lineman nationally in the 247Sports composite ratings of major recruiting services.
Notre Dame's Alt among AFCA honorees
Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, a former Totino-Grace standout from North Oaks, was named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association. A consensus All-America selection as a junior, Alt announced Wednesday that he'll enter the 2024 NFL draft and will not play for the Fighting Irish in the Sun Bowl against Oregon State.
West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop, who spent the 2022 season with the Gophers, received second-team AFCA All-America honors. Gophers safety Tyler Nubin, who earned either first- or second-team All-America honors from four of the five NCAA-recognized organizations, was not among the AFCA honorees.
Spartans make it official
Michigan State announced Thursday that Joe Rossi will be the Spartans defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Rossi held that position with the Gophers from late in the 2018 season through the 2023 regular season.
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck thanked Rossi in a statement:
"Joe Rossi is an elite man, a great friend and a terrific football coach. His leadership, preparation and communication played a significant role in what we have been able to accomplish at Minnesota. I want to thank Joe, his wife Lynsey and their family for everything they have contributed to our program and community during the last several years. I wish them well at Michigan State."
Etc.
Two Gophers who entered the transfer portal at the end of the regular season have found their new schools. Running back Zach Evans announced he's committed to North Texas, while offensive lineman JJ Guedet will attend Illinois State.
Gophers’ final home game of season comes against Nittany Lions team in contention for College Football Playoff.
