P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers closed out their 2024 season on a high note, securing a solid 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The win capped off a strong finish, with the Gophers officially ending the season at 8-5.
Fleck continues his impressive streak in bowl games, now boasting a perfect 6-0 record at Minnesota. It’s a testament to the consistent success the program has enjoyed under his leadership. With the season wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the transfer portal, where Fleck and his staff have been highly active in landing new talent. However, the team faced a setback today, losing two defensive players to the portal.
Minnesota Gophers Lose Coleman Bryson and Martin Owusu to the Transfer Portal
Minnesota took a hit with the departures of defensive back Coleman Bryson and defensive tackle Martin Owusu, though the losses could have been more significant.
Bryson, who earned MVP honors in the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl after recording seven tackles, a pass breakup, and a 70-yard pick-six, has seen his role diminish with the emergence of Koi Perich. Over his time with the Gophers, Bryson logged 54 tackles across 612 snaps and still has two years of eligibility remaining.
Owusu, meanwhile, has struggled to make an impact. The Prior Lake native redshirted in 2023 and saw minimal action in 2024, appearing in just one game against Rhode Island, where he recorded a single tackle. A former three-star recruit from Prior Lake High School, Owusu’s time at Minnesota has been underwhelming.
While Coleman showed promise, Perich’s talent made it difficult for him to maintain a key role. As for Owusu, his limited opportunities likely factored into his decision. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that both players are looking for fresh starts elsewhere.
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