Last week, P.J. Fleck, head coach of the University of Minnesota Gophers football team, highlighted the significance of family connections while discussing the newly signed 31 players from the Gophers’ 2026 recruiting class. During a presentation that celebrated the incoming freshmen, Fleck shared personal anecdotes about the players’ families, showcasing a lighter side of his role as a coach.
Among the stories shared, Fleck noted that Rico Blassingame, a receiver from Tolleson, Arizona, has parents who enjoy craft beer and are likely to visit local breweries during their son’s college journey. He also mentioned Gavin Meier, an offensive lineman from Janesville, Wisconsin, whose curious younger brother engaged actively during their recruiting meeting. Fleck humorously praised Hayden Moore’s mother from Newberry, Florida, for her culinary skills, claiming she makes “the best macaroni and cheese in the world.”
Following this warm introduction, Fleck was posed a question regarding the importance of maintaining connections with each player’s family. He emphasized that family involvement is crucial, especially in the current landscape where financial considerations are intertwined with player decisions. Since last summer, the NCAA has allowed athletic departments to distribute revenue-sharing payments directly to players, complicating the dynamics of player retention.
Fleck remarked, “Those parents are so important to me, but there are people who say, ‘Don’t talk to the parent, I’m the agent.’ Nah, I’m going to talk to the parent… and I’m going to talk to the kid.” This approach illustrates Fleck’s commitment to fostering relationships that extend beyond mere contractual obligations. He recounted a recent interaction where a player described their situation as “just business.” Fleck, in response, reaffirmed his belief that the Gophers program is about more than just business—it’s about life lessons.
The Gophers have undergone significant changes in the player retention landscape, with Fleck noting that contract negotiations are now primarily handled by the team’s General Manager, Gerrit Chernoff, and the Director of Player Personnel, Marcus Hendrickson. Fleck stated, “We don’t have to talk money” in personal meetings, but he believes it is important for players to engage in meaningful conversations about their futures and the realities of professional sports.
As part of the ongoing evolution in college athletics, the Gophers’ athletic department is set to distribute $20.5 million as a result of the House v. NCAA settlement, with each football team allocated approximately $15 million to share among players. This new financial framework means that star players at critical positions will receive the most substantial shares, while incoming freshmen may see smaller allotments.
The implications of these changes are evident, as the Gophers have experienced a wave of player transfers. Since the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, ten players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, 2026. While many players are backups or less prominent contributors, the departure of Fame Ijeboi, a promising running back with 515 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns last season, poses a significant challenge for the team’s depth and future development.
Reflecting on player retention, Fleck acknowledged, “There’s going to be some guys we keep; some guys we can’t keep.” He expressed pride in the maturity displayed by his players during this tumultuous period. In previous years, the Gophers successfully retained most of their key players, so the current situation presents a different challenge.
The Gophers have been proactive in their approach to player retention, working with athletes during their bye weeks. Fleck noted that discussions about potential transfers are ongoing, with coaches and players navigating a complex landscape of negotiations and personal decisions. He emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for both players and the program, stating, “At the end of the day, you are going to create a football team that fits you.”
As the Gophers prepare for the upcoming season, the balance between fostering family connections and navigating the business aspects of college football remains at the forefront of Fleck’s strategy. His commitment to open communication with players and their families is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy and reflects a broader trend in collegiate athletics.
