Gophers land transfer defensive lineman, cornerback from FCS schools

The Gophers on Sunday received commitment from a pair of FCS level transfers — Illinois State defensive lineman Steven Curtis and North Carolina Central cornerback Jaylen Bowden — who announced on the X platform that they are joining the Minnesota program.

Curtis, 6-5 and 255 pounds, played two seasons for the Redbirds, an FCS level team, and will have two years of eligibility remaining. In his first season as a starter this fall, Curtis played in 14 games, making 46 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, posting four sacks, forcing two fumbles and collecting eight quarterback hurries.

The West Palm Beach, Fla., native and Cardinal Newman High School graduate made his official visit to Minnesota this weekend. He also received interest from Boston College, Cincinnati and Kentucky.

Bowden, 6-2 and 155 pounds, played in 10 games this season, making 19 tackles, intercepting one pass and breaking up seven passes. The Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek High School graduate visited Minnesota this weekend and also received interest from Wake Forest and James Madison, among others. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Curtis and Bowden join Georgia Tech quarterback Zach Pyron and Purdue tight end Drew Biber in transferring to Minnesota since the portal opened last Monday.