Minnesota football secured a major victory on the recruiting trail Monday, landing a commitment from 2026 four-star cornerback Justin Hopkins. The highly sought-after prospect chose the Golden Gophers over top programs like USC, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. This is a significant win for head coach PJ Fleck and Minnesota, as they typically don’t out-recruit powerhouse schools for elite talent.
Recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett announced the news on social media:
“BREAKING: Four-Star CB Justin Hopkins has Committed to Minnesota, he tells me for @on3recruits,” Fawcett posted. “The 6’0, 170-pound CB from Nashville, TN, chose the Golden Gophers over Tennessee, Georgia Tech, & USC.”
Hopkins, currently attending Ensworth High School in Nashville, had a simple but meaningful message for Minnesota fans:
“From Cashville to the Twin Cities, Gopher Nation I’m home,” he said.
Rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Hopkins is ranked No. 303 in the 2026 class, the No. 22 cornerback nationally, and the No. 9 player in Tennessee. His decision to commit to Minnesota is a notable recruiting victory, especially considering that Tennessee, USC, and Georgia Tech were strong contenders. He also held offers from Auburn, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, and TCU, among others.
While it’s still early in the 2026 recruiting cycle, Minnesota is off to an impressive start, already securing four commitments. Their class, currently ranked No. 30 in the nation, includes two four-star and two three-star prospects.
If Fleck can continue improving the Golden Gophers’ recruiting efforts, the program could position itself as a legitimate Big Ten contender. Indiana’s unexpected College Football Playoff run last season proved that a breakthrough is possible, and Minnesota has been on the verge of a special season in recent years.
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