The Gophers added to its running back room with the addition of Purdue transfer Jaron Thomas on Friday, per 247 Sports.

Thomas has four years of eligibility remaining after tallying only two carries for 14 yards in one game for the Boilermakers in 2025. That limited playing time allowed him to redshirt a season ago.

The 6-foot, 210-pound tailback from Elkhart, Ind., was a three-star recruit who had 2,875 yards and 40 touchdowns at Concord Community High School. He also played linebacker and ran track.

Minnesota did not recruit Indiana’s Mr. Football coming out of high school. He had offers from Western Michigan, Ball State, Southern Illinois and others.

The U also added Liberty quarterback Michael Merdinger via the portal on Friday.