The Gophers football program received a commitment from Pennsylvania prep running back Ezekiel Bates on Wednesday.

Listed at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Bates received offers from Boston College, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and more than a dozen others. The Malvern Prep School product, who also received interest from Michigan State, visited the U during spring practices in late March.

“1000% committed! Let’s Work!” Bates wrote on social media.

Bates, who does not yet have a star rating from recruiting services, was offered by the U on Feb. 19. He is the ninth high school player, and first tailback, to commit to the U for the 2026 recruiting class.

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