The Gophers’ current offensive line issues can be traced back to Ohio State, but in a distinct way that proceeded the 42-3 blowout loss in Columbus on Saturday.

The transfer of 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle Phillip Daniels from Minnesota to the Buckeyes after the 2024 season created a hole the Gophers are still trying to patch.

A season ago, Daniels started for the Gophers as a redshirt freshman and was penciled in to be Minnesota's next left tackle in the wake of senior Aireontae Ersery being drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round.

But Daniels, a Cincinnati native and cousin to Buckeyes great Paris Johnson, went home — with a name, image and likeness (NIL) offer that was too rich for the Gophers’ pocketbook. Daniels ended up being the Gophers’ only significant loss to

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