Today, the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program landed a major commitment. Hudson Dunn, a standout linebacker from Liberty High School in Peoria, Arizona, announced his decision to join the Gophers’ 2026 recruiting class.
He stands out as a three-star prospect; he’s currently ranked 581 overall in the 2026 class, holds the spot of number 45 among linebackers across the nation, and shines as the number six player in Arizona. Standing at 6’1”, 219 pounds, he combines speed, physicality, and football IQ, making him a perfect fit for the Big Ten.
Massive Recruiting Win for Minnesota—Why LB Hudson Dunn Picked the Gophers Over Michigan and Oregon
What makes his commitment even more significant is that he had offers from some of the biggest programs in the country: Penn State, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, and Nebraska. So, how did Minnesota pull this off, and what does it mean for the Gophers’ defense moving forward?
Dunn wasn’t short on options. He had official visits scheduled with a number of powerhouse programs like Michigan and Oregon for June, but he decided to shut down his recruitment early and commit to Minnesota after a visit last month.
COMMIT: #Gophers earn a Saturday night commitment from 2026 Arizona linebacker Hudson Dunn.
Dunn previously had June official visits set with Michigan and Oregon, and it’s a massive early recruiting win for LB coach Mariano Sori-Marin.
Story: https://t.co/n99iCefmF7 https://t.co/19GsdRLqnP
— Ryan Burns (@RyanBurnsMN) May 4, 2025
So, what drives his decision to choose the Gophers over these elite schools? It seems to come down to a mix of relationships, fit, and the vision laid out by the coaching staff.
During his visit to Minneapolis, he saw what Minnesota has to offer firsthand. He toured the facilities, watched the team practice, and spent time exploring the campus and the city. But the real impact came from his conversations with the coaches.
Dunn spent a lot of time with Mariano Sori-Marin, the Gophers’ new linebacker coach, who broke down exactly how Dunn would fit into their defensive scheme.
They talked football to a great length, and he returned feeling like he could thrive in Minnesota’s system.
He also met with coach P.J. Fleck, who left a big impression with his energy and passion. Dunn described Fleck as “an amazing person and coach” who’s “always fired up.” he was drawn to Fleck’s vision for the program.
What’s Next for the Gophers’ Defense?
Dunn’s commitment is a big step forward for the program, but it is evident that there’s still a lot of work to be done. The Gophers’ defense has been solid but not spectacular in recent years, and they’ll need more players like Dunn to take that next step in the Big Ten.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
The conference is laden with talent, and Minnesota will need to keep building its roster with impactful players if it wants to head-to-head with the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
