Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Three-star Arizona CB commits to Cal over Gophers, three other finalists

Originally posted on Minnesota Golden Gophers on SI
By Tony Liebert | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 3:17 PM ET

Three-star 2026, Queen Creek, Arizona cornerback Mason Lewis verbally committed to Cal on Tuesday, over the Gophers and three other finalists.

I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for supporting me throughout this whole process. After thinking this through and talking with my family I would like to announce my commitment to the University of California !!! #GoBears @CalFootball pic.twitter.com/kOGYJhBakm
— Mason Lewis (@Lew32M) July 1, 2025

Lewis was officially offered a scholarship by Minnesota on May 12, and he took an official visit to the program roughly one month later on June 13 during their annual Summer Splash recruiting event. He listed the Gophers alongside Kansas State, Iowa and Vanderbilt as five total finalists, but he will be heading to Cal.

Related: Ratings revealed for Koi Perich, Darius Taylor in CFB video game

The Gophers currently have two cornerbacks: Justin Hopkins and Chance Payne, and two safeties: Jordan Lampkins and Trason Richardson verbally committed to their 2026 class. They signed two cornerbacks in last year's cycle, so with 24 total players already verbally committed, there's a good chance that there wasn't room for Lewis. But, they have signed three corners in a class before.

Ultimately, Lewis's commitment to Cal is not something that will see a huge swing in Minnesota's 2026 recruiting outlook, but it is a player off the board, who they were recruiting hard at some point in the cycle.

Notable players who have taken an official visit to Minnesota, who still remain uncommitted now include Darion Jones, Tristen Hill, Jayden McGregory and Freddie Wilson.