The Gophers top three defensive ends will return for the 2026 season, and the U has added another threatening edge rusher to the mix via the transfer portal.

California transfer TJ Bush Jr., has committed to Minnesota, according to ESPN. As a junior, the 6-foot-3 and 265-pounder led the Golden Bears with 5 1/2 sacks and 11 1/2 tackles for lost yards. He also contributed 40 total tackles.

Bush had a team-high 39 quarterback pressures in 2025, and with one year of eligibility remaining, he will complement U returners Anthony Smith, Karter Menz and Jaxon Howard next fall.

The Woodbridge, Va., native received an above-average overall grade of 68.0 from Pro Football Focus, including a 70.4 pass-rush mark last season.

Bush has played nearly 2,000 career defensive snaps in three seasons, including more than 600 in each of his first two years at Liberty.

Bush is the 13th overall commitment to Minnesota since the transfer portal opened Friday. Utah State specialist Zachary Robbins was the 12th on Tuesday night.

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