The Gophers appeared to beat out Iowa and James Madison for the transfer portal commitment of Division II defensive back Parker Knutson on Monday.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound player from Sartell, Minn., and Southwest Minnesota State has two years of eligibility left for the U.

Knutson racked up eight interceptions and 39 tackles in 11 games in 2025 and totaled five picks and 39 tackles in 11 games in 2024. He played three games as a true freshman for the Mustangs in Marshall.

Knutson’s ball skills jump out as a reason why he is making the jump to the FBS. How he fits in a DI secondary will start to take shape in spring practice.

Knutson is the seventh overall player to pledge to the U this week.

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