Top 2026 guard Tori Oehrlein commits to Minnesota

Highly-recruited 2026 prospect Tori Oehrlein of Crosby (Minnesota) Crosby-ironton Secondary has committed to Minnesota, she announced on Friday evening. She chose the hometown Gophers over Utah, Michigan, Florida, Virginia Tech and Maryland. 

“Coach Dawn [Plitzuweit] is amazing,” Oehrlein told On3 in a previous interview. “She truly shows how much she cares about me and of course, Minnesota is close to home, so family can come see me which is nice.”

There were plenty of factors that led to Oehrlein choosing the Gophers in the end. 

“My biggest thing is my relationship with the coaches,” Tori Oehrlein told On3. “I want to have a great relationship with them. Style of play is also important because I don’t want to go somewhere where I don’t fit their style.” 

Minnesota is getting a high-IQ facilitator in Oehrlein. 

“I’d say I have really good court IQ and vision,” Tori Oehrlein said of her game. “My passing is key. I want to work on getting my release quicker and getting more explosive.” 

The 5-foot-11 guard won’t join the Gophers until the 2026-27 season, but Minnesota fans have a lot to look forward to when she arrives. 

The Gophers have two 2025 commits, including 6-foot-3 post player Zoey Bershers and 5-foot-11 wing Makena Christian. Addi Mack is a notable target still on the board. 

Oehrlein is the first 2026 commit for Minnesota, but other targets include Leelee Bell, Addison Bjorn, Ashlyn Koupal and Adaline Sheplee.