Minnesota’s football program has experienced significant changes in its offensive line roster, with several former scholarship linemen entering the transfer portal since the end of the previous season. Players such as JJ Guedet (now at Illinois State), Logan Purcell, De’Eric Mister, Cade McConnell (transferred to Vanderbilt), and Tyrell Lawrence (now at Alabama A&M) have all departed. In response to these departures, the Gophers’ offensive line coach, Brian Callahan, has turned to the transfer portal to bolster the team’s depth.

One notable addition from the portal is Aluma Nkele, a former offensive lineman from Texas-El Paso (UTEP). Nkele committed verbally to Minnesota after being recruited by James Bain, the Gophers’ assistant offensive line coach and Nkele’s former coach at UTEP. Nkele, originally from California, visited Minnesota’s campus on a Thursday night and subsequently decided to join the team.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 370 pounds, Nkele attended Junipero Serra High School before playing at Long Beach City College. He signed with UTEP as part of their 2022 recruiting class and appeared in three games during his freshman year. In the 2023 season, Nkele saw action in 10 games for UTEP, starting five games at right tackle. His addition brings much-needed experience and size to Minnesota’s offensive line, addressing the recent departures and providing depth for the upcoming season.