No. 1 player in Minnesota commits to Gophers

It was a very busy day for the major Gophers sports, but the biggest news of the day might’ve been the No. 1 2025 recruit in the entire state, Emmanuel Karmo opting to stay home and commit to Minnesota. Staring at Robbinsdale Cooper High School, Karmo quickly grew into one of the most sought-after in-state recruits in recent memory, picking up offers from Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan State and a dozen other high-level programs. After unofficially visiting the program last month, he gave his verbal pledge to the Maroon & Gold Friday.

I appreciate all the schools that have recruited me through this process. It’s been an amazing process for sure but with that said, I have made my decision. @77williehoward @TPatt17 @Coach_DeBo46 @Coach_Fleck @AllenTrieu #RTB #AGTG pic.twitter.com/59GfaSsvFH

— Emmanuel Karmo (@EmmanuelKarmo28) April 13, 2024

Last season as a junior for the Hawks he had 48 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and two sacks with one interception as an outside linebacker. He added 15 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns on offense. 247sports ranks him as the No. 375 player in the country and a 4-star prospect.

What’s Next?

This is not your average April high school commitment, Karmo is an elite prospect that was pursued by elite programs. He joins a really impressive start for Minnesota in the 2025 recruiting class and he is the type of player you can build an entire class around. He has the athleticism to be an elite pass-rusher, but he is a bit undersized at only 6-foot-2, it is expected for Minnesota to use him on the defensive side of the ball, but he has the versatility to play all over the field.

Minnesota had the 43rd-ranked class in the country according to 247sports, before his commitment and I expect that number to only go up. It was a bit of a slow start for PJ Fleck and his staff, but the past few weeks have been nothing but big-time players verbally committing to the program and there is now some serious momentum for their 2025 class.

Full 2025 class:

• • CB Zachry Harden
  • DL Torin Pettaway
  • QB Jackson Kollock

• • TE Cross Nimmo
  • LB Emmanuel Karmo