Syracuse, N.Y. -- Former Syracuse kicker Brady Denaburg will play college football next season at Minnesota, he announced on social media.

With the Golden Gophers, Denaburg will re-unite with former SU special teams coach Bob Ligashesky.

Denaburg had shown signs of honing his powerful leg with Syracuse last year, connecting on 10 of 16 field-goal attempts. Three of the misses were from beyond 50 yards, including a pair of 57-yard attempts.

He took a step backward this year, making just 3 of 6, before first-year Syracuse coach Fran Brown turned to other options. Two of those kicks were blocked.

Denaburg continued to contribute to the Orange after his demotion, routinely earning touchbacks on kickoff attempts and serving as the team's kickoff specialist. He has one year of college eligibility remaining.

Syracuse can return two kickers who attempted field goals this season. Jackson Kennedy finished the year as the starting placekicker and has one year of eligibility remaining. Jaydn Oh has three years of eligibility remaining.

Minnesota is looking to replace Dragan Kesich, who has been one of the better kickers in the Big Ten over the past two seasons.

Denaburg is the first of eight Syracuse players who have entered their names into the transfer portal to find a new place to play football.

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