Top Minnesota Recruit Roman Voss Chooses Gophers Over Alabama!

Jackson County, MN, USA - In a significant move for the University of Minnesota Gophers football program, Roman Voss, the crown jewel of high school football in Minnesota, has officially committed to the Gophers, turning down offers from powerhouse Alabama. Announced on social media, Voss declared, „All Glory To God. Home,“ solidifying his choice to remain in-state and play for the Gophers. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Voss has showcased his versatility at Jackson County Central High School, playing multiple positions from quarterback to linebacker, though Minnesota plans to utilize him as a tight end at the next level, as reports from SI.com indicate.

The Gophers have now maintained a remarkable streak, securing the top in-state prospect for the third consecutive recruiting class. Voss, a four-star recruit ranked among the top 15 athletes in the 2026 class, visited Minnesota from May 30 to June 1 and followed that with an official visit to Alabama. Clearly, the allure of playing for the Gophers was too powerful to resist. The coaching staff even made a point to visit Voss’s home in January, underscoring how pivotal he was to their recruitment strategy, as detailed by Twin Cities.

Recruiting Success for the Gophers

Coach P.J. Fleck has shown a knack for attracting homegrown talent, with Voss joining an impressive roster of recent in-state recruits. This includes Emmanuel Karmo from the 2025 class and Koi Perich from 2024, alongside Jaxon Howard, who, while initially transitioning from Louisiana State, eventually found his home at Minnesota. With Voss’s commitment, the Gophers now boast five four-star commitments for the 2026 recruiting class, their most since Fleck took the helm in 2017.

Voss, who has faced his share of challenges with season-ending injuries in the state tournament over the past two years, is viewed by his head coach, Tom Schuller, as the best player he has ever coached. Schuller believes Voss possesses the skill set to thrive at the NFL level, saying he has the potential to be an “NFL-caliber tight end.” It’s easy to see why so many programs were eager to land this exceptional talent, and Iowa’s early interest further speaks to his ability, as noted by insiders at Minnesota Sports Fan.

Future Class Dynamics

The Gophers‘ 2026 recruiting class is shaping up well, with Voss joined by promising talents like Howie Johnson and Andrew Trout, the second and third-ranked recruits in Minnesota, respectively. Just recently, they also welcomed a commitment from Trason Richardson, a three-star safety from Texas, highlighting the Gophers‘ strategic approach to building a robust team for the future. With Voss’s commitment and the overall recruiting strategy, the Gophers are certainly on the rise in Big Ten football.

The commitment of Roman Voss not only strengthens the Gophers on the field but also signals a vibrant future for Minnesota football. As more talent chooses to stay local, it’s evident that the Gophers are becoming a formidable force in college sports.