Nebraska Football: 3 potential transfer destinations for JD Spielman

1. Minnesota Golden Gophers

This is the destination that makes the most sense for both JD Spielman and the Gophers.

Spielman’s decision to commit to the Cornhuskers during the senior season of his high school career. The Golden Gophers were high on Spielman’s list due to regional attraction and his teammates that were going to play there.

Spielman chose to play for coach Mike Riley and the Cornhuskers. After his redshirt freshman season in 2017, Riley was fired after the Cornhuskers posted a 4-8 record. Golden Gopher head coach PJ Fleck has been highly complimentary of the talent and potential of Spielman.

Last season, the Golden Gophers had one of their best seasons in recent program history with an 11-2 record. It was the first time that the Golden Gophers accounted for a 10-win season since 2003. The Golden Gophers return eight starters on the offensive side of the ball last season that was ranked 22nd in the nation in points per game (34.1).

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman is their deep threat wide receiver that caught 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns that were named as their preseason first-team All-Big Ten member by Athlon Sports. Quarterback Tanner Morgan is among the three Gophers that were named third-team All-Big Ten. The Gophers were ranked 47th in passing yards per game (253.3) last season.

The Gophers lost their leading receiver from last season in Tyler Johnson but still have talent throughout the depth chart. Adding a dynamic playmaker at the slot receiver like Spielman can create more of a spark to become one top offense in the Big Ten. He could be played at the outside receiver as well as Tyreek Hill for the Kansas City Chiefs.