Minnesota flips UCF commitment Charlie Jilek
For the second straight day, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have added a commitment to their 2026 recruiting class. After flipping North Dakota tight end commitment George Rohl on Tuesday, the Gophers added UCF commitment Charlie Jilek to the class as a linebacker. He was previously committed to UCF as a tight end.
The flipping of Jilek was a recruitment that the Gophers, led by linebackers coach Mariano Sori-Marin, worked on very quietly and one that flew under the radar.
The Portage Central (MI) native originally committed to the Knights back in April, just days after receiving an offer. That commitment to the Knights would remain strong until Wednesday.
The Golden Gophers coaching staff has long had their eyes on Jilek, with the 6-foot-5 linebacker making visits to campus last season. Though he never reported an official from the program before his commitment.
He becomes the Gophers’ 24th commitment in their 2026 recruiting class that currently ranks 33rd nationally and 11th in the Big Ten. He is the program’s third linebacker commitment in the cycle, joining Liberty (AZ) linebacker prospect Hudson Dunn as well as Steelton-Highspire (PA) standout Angel Luciano.
Jilek is ranked in the Rivals Industry rankings as a three-star prospect and a top-30 player in the state of Michigan. He is currently listed as a tight end in the rankings. He joins defensive tackle commitment Jeremiah Benson as a Michigan native set to join the Gophers.
According to Michigan Live, Jilek, as a junior recorded 104 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble en route to an all-state selection.
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