Minnesota Team Profile
Minnesota logo
Minnesota Golden Gophers (@GopherFootball)
P. J. Fleck (9th year) (65-44) #1
Record: 8 - 5 (5 - 4)  |  Proj: 8 - 4 (#)  |  SOS: (#55)
Roster  Schedule  Scoreboard  Drives  Portals  Croots  Map  
Minnesota logo
Minnesota's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 8/28 Minnesota vs Buffalo-16.545.5W 23 - 10UN
Sat 9/6 Minnesota vs Northwestern State-43.050.5W 66 - 0OY
Sat 9/13 Minnesota at California-3.041.5L 14 - 27UN
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/27 Minnesota vs Rutgers-3.551.5W 31 - 28ON
Sat 10/4 Minnesota at Ohio State+23.542.5L 3 - 42ON
Sat 10/11 Minnesota vs Purdue-7.549.5W 27 - 20UN
Fri 10/17 Minnesota vs Nebraska+7.047.5W 24 - 6UY
Sat 10/25 Minnesota at Iowa+7.539.5L 3 - 41ON
Sat 11/1 Minnesota vs Michigan State-4.544.5W 23 - 20UN
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/14 Minnesota at Oregon+26.545.5L 13 - 42ON
Sat 11/22 Minnesota vs Northwestern+4.041.0L 35 - 38OY
Sat 11/29 Minnesota vs Wisconsin+2.538.5W 17 - 7UY
Fri 12/26 Minnesota vs New Mexico-1.544.5W 20 - 17UY

Record Prediction: 8 - 4 NR
Schedule Rating:  #55
Future 2027 Schedule

Minnesota's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 8/28 Minnesota vs Buffalo-16.545.5W 23 - 10UN
Sat 9/6 Minnesota vs Northwestern State-43.050.5W 66 - 0OY
Sat 9/13 Minnesota at California-3.041.5L 14 - 27UN
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/27 Minnesota vs Rutgers-3.551.5W 31 - 28ON
Sat 10/4 Minnesota at Ohio State+23.542.5L 3 - 42ON
Sat 10/11 Minnesota vs Purdue-7.549.5W 27 - 20UN
Fri 10/17 Minnesota vs Nebraska+7.047.5W 24 - 6UY
Sat 10/25 Minnesota at Iowa+7.539.5L 3 - 41ON
Sat 11/1 Minnesota vs Michigan State-4.544.5W 23 - 20UN
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/14 Minnesota at Oregon+26.545.5L 13 - 42ON
Sat 11/22 Minnesota vs Northwestern+4.041.0L 35 - 38OY
Sat 11/29 Minnesota vs Wisconsin+2.538.5W 17 - 7UY
Fri 12/26 Minnesota vs New Mexico-1.544.5W 20 - 17UY

2024 Schedule Rating:  #42
2025 Record: 8 - 5 (B1G: 5 - 4)
Spread Record 5 - 8 - 0 | O/U 6 - 7


Opponents: Elite, Good, Avg, Bad, Poor
Reg Season Opponents: 3 Elite, 1 Good, 2 Avg, 3 Bad, 2 Poor

Show Past Schedules
2026 class: 227 points   #28
2025 class: 203 points   #45
2024 class: 213 points   #30
2023 class: 201 points   #45
2022 class: 189 points   #49

Average Class Ranking:   #39
Average Recruiting Points: 207

Four Year Crootin Profile
Consistent Average P4
4 Year Class:  #41 - Best:  #30 Worst:  #49



CFB Crootin Averages
Big Ten Class: 229  #35
Power 4 Class: 226  #35
FBS Class: 189  #71


2021 class: 203 points   #37
2020 class: 203 points   #33
2019 class: 198 points   #43
2018 class: 207 points   #32
2017 class: 171 points   #64

Average Class Ranking:   #42
Average Recruiting Points: 197
 
Transfer Portal Classes
2025 Portal Class  #29 - 22 players, 87 Avg
2025 Portal Class  #29 - 22 players, 87 Avg
2024 Portal Class  #34 - 13 players, 87 Avg
2023 Portal Class  #41 - 11 players, 87 Avg
Transfer Portal Classes
Transfer Portal Classes
2022 Portal Class  #40 - 8 players, 86 Avg
2021 Portal Class  #37 - 18 players, 88 Avg
2020 Portal Class NR - players, 0 Avg
2019 Portal Class NR - players, 0 Avg
Offensive Coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. (been OC for 3 years) #1
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Drake Lindsey24638963%23821866.1
Michael Merdinger214151%350108.5
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Darius Taylor14367044.771
TJ Thomas Jr.9138464.244
Grant Washington2113206.316
Zion Steptoe76509.332
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Javon Tracy (Tr)37454612.345
Jalen Smith28419415.078
Noah Jennings23323014.036
Zion Steptoe21272013.042
(Tr) - new transfer in 2026

Defensive Coordinator Danny Collins (in his first season) #1
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Maverick Baranowski1029331
Andrew Marshall614130
Kerry Brown564003
John Nestor (Tr)506006
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Anthony Smith38181373
Karter Menz329742
T.J. Bush3911541
Jaxon Howard296410
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
John Nestor (Tr)506006
Kerry Brown564003
Anthony Smith38181373
Returning Production
Overall Returning Production: 58%  #44
Offense Returning Production: 57%  #42
Defense Returning Production: 58%  #50
Minnesota's Official Roster

Transfer Portal
2025 Portal Class  #29
22 Commits, 86.7 Avg Rating
25% of 2025 Roster from Portal, 21% TY
Team Talent
2025 Talent Rating: 928.00  #19
Offense Talent  #29 | Defense Talent  #25
2025  #19 | 2024  #29 | 2023  #57 | 2022  #50


2025 - 2023 Records
2025 Record: 8 - 5
2025 Conf Record: 5 - 4
Spread: 5 - 8 - 0 | Totals: 6 - 7

2025 Record: 8 - 5
2025 Conf Record: 5 - 4
Spread: 5 - 8 - 0 | Totals: 6 - 7

2024 Record: 8 - 5
2024 Conf Record: 5 - 4
Spread: 10 - 2 - 1 | Totals: 6 - 7

2023 Record: 6 - 7
2023 Conf Record: 3 - 6
Spread: 4 - 9 - 0 | Totals: 6 - 7

Four Year Record: 30 - 22
Four Year Record vs. Spread: 24 - 27 - 1
Four Year Conference Record: 18 - 18
2022 - 2019 Records
2022 Record: 9 - 4
2022 Conf Record: 5 - 4
Spread: 7 - 6 - 0 | Totals: 5 - 8

2021 Record: 9 - 4
2021 Conf Record: 6 - 3
Spread: 8 - 4 - 1 | Totals: 6 - 7

2020 Record: 3 - 4
2020 Conf Record: 3 - 4
Spread: 4 - 3 - 0 | Totals: 3 - 4

2019 Record: 11 - 2
2019 Conf Record: 7 - 2
Spread: 8 - 4 - 1 | Totals: 9 - 4

Eight Year Record: 62 - 36
Eight Year Record vs. Spread: 51 - 44 - 3
Eight Year Conference Record: 42 - 31

Minnesota Recent Bowl History
DateBowlMatchupSpreadTotalResult
2025Rate Bowl Minnesota vs New Mexico-1.544.5W 20 - 17
2024Mayo Bowl Minnesota vs Virginia Tech-10.043.5W 24 - 10
2023Lane Bowl Minnesota vs Bowling Green-2.545.0W 30 - 24
2022Pinstripe Bowl Minnesota vs Syracuse-10.545.0W 28 - 20
2021Rate Bowl Minnesota vs West Virginia-5.044.5W 18 - 6
2019Outback Bowl Minnesota vs Auburn+7.054.0W 31 - 24
2018Lane Bowl Minnesota vs Georgia Tech+5.557.0W 34 - 10
2016Holiday Bowl Minnesota vs Washington State+5.561.0W 17 - 12
2015Lane Bowl Minnesota vs Central Michigan-6.0W 21 - 14
Power Ranking Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Offense PPAOffense ExplOffense SuccessOffense Pts Per OppAvg Start FP3rd Down %4th Down %Defense PPADefense ExplDefense SuccessDefense Pts Per OppOpponent FP
2025.13 (94)1.2 (99)40% (101)3.79 (60)30.7 (30)40%43%.2 (97)1.27 (74)45% (113)3.84 (84)26.7 (17)
 Teams                  Offense PPAOffense ExplOffense SuccessOffense Pts Per OppAvg Start FP3rd Down %4th Down %Defense PPADefense ExplDefense SuccessDefense Pts Per OppOpponent FP
2024.2 (64)1.17 (122)45% (39)4.38 (27)28.6 (78)45%90%.08 (16)1.16 (19)39% (35)3.32 (23)29.1 (72)



More Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDs
20251329:2317.140%43%3.8310.71.27.132
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDs
20241329:1318.545%90%4.535.60.81.54.41.82



Overall Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPPGHomeRoadSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun Rate  Pass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
2025 Offense132330.18.339.9% (101)3.79 (60)0.7172931031903.641% (126)57% (11)39% (110)41% (77)16% (74).13 (94)
2025 Defense1322.9133845.2% (113)3.84 (84)1.2 - - - - - 46% (19)53% (119)43% (82)47% (124)18% (29).2 (97)
 Teams                  GamesPPGHomeRoadSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun Rate  Pass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
2024 Offense1326.22922.644.9% (39)4.38 (27)0.8193071032043.744% (111)56% (25)44% (65)46% (29)16% (71).2 (64)
2024 Defense1316.916.618.838.9% (35)3.32 (23)1.5 - - - - - 50% (63)50% (71)36% (8)42% (80)19% (18).08 (16)



Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
2025 Offense1341% (126)39% (110)28.8103.53.615 (88).02 (116)2.62 (123)73% (61)9% (44)0.89 (105)
2025 Defense1346% (19)43% (82) - - - - .14 (92)2.86 (63)73% (80)13% (6)0.98 (83)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
2024 Offense1344% (111)44% (65)28.2102.93.717 (84).11 (80)2.7 (119)73% (69)10% (80)0.88 (113)
2024 Defense1350% (63)36% (8) - - - - .02 (19)2.71 (22)74% (69)9% (90)0.95 (50)



Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs     Ints     PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
2025 Offense1357% (11)41% (77)19.330.7189.96.29.819 (61)7 (34).22 (82)1.4 (121)33% (96)28% (94).2 (111)7% (114)1.8 (126)
2025 Defense1353% (119)47% (124) - - - - - - 9 (38).25 (73)1.5 (35)30% (102)36% (129).42 (122)5% (122)2 (54)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs     Ints     PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
2024 Offense1356% (25)46% (29)19.529.2204.1710.518 (68)5 (6).27 (58)1.4 (129)30% (46)31% (80).32 (76)6% (70)2 (75)
2024 Defense1350% (71)42% (80) - - - - - - 16 (10).15 (27)1.3 (6)33% (43)26% (16).15 (10)10% (1)1.8 (20)




Overall

Team Info

Power #65SP+ #70
Coaching staff Rank  #1

Record

8 - 5
B1G 5 - 4

Vs Spread5 - 8 - 0Totals6 - 7
One Score Games '25: (4-1)(27-17 under P.F.)

5 Year Profile

Declining Below Avg P4

'26 Profile

Down to Top G5
Performance #60
Special Teams #1

Returning Production

From 2025

0% #1
MINN lost their 25 starting QB
Offense 57% #42
Defense 58% #50
Returning Starters: (Off: ) - (Def: )
Proj Portal Starters: (Off: ) - (Def: )
Exp'd Depth: (Off: ) - (Def: )
OL Prod: 70% #342 starters, 0 exp'd depth
OL Snaps: 3,160  #52From Portal: 1500 #22
Rush Prod: 100% #1
Rec Prod: 63% #42
Front Seven: 68% #22
Secondary: 43% #89

Roster

Talent Info

Talent #19
Blue Chips (8%) #44
Portal Class  #2922 players (87 Avg)
Crootin '26 Class  #284 YR Class Rating #41

Talent Profile

Consistent Average P4
25% of Roster from Portal, 21% TY
62% of '26 Roster are New (Fr + Portals)

(OC) Greg Harbaugh Jr. 3

 #1

(DC) Danny Collins 1

 #1

2025 Schedule

Information

SOS #55

Minnesota plays 1 opps off a byeNWST
OppsElite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
2025 Record: 8 - 5 (5 - 8 - 0) (B1G: 5 - 4)
2024 Record: 8 - 5 (10 - 2 - 1) (B1G: 5 - 4)

Win History

Past 5 years 7

Avg under P. F 7.33
4 Yr Record (30 - 22)
8 Yr Record (62 - 36)

Notes

Live Team Notes

CB J Nestor was incredible vs Iowa, Does he return?
This program is awful on road. Study why
Gophers historically bad road season, L2 at home
Outgained & outplayed by Mich St, Def torched
Off horrific vs Iowa, 133 yds, 24 rushing, 3 TOs.
Def dominated Neb w/ 9 sacks, held to 213 yds
RB D Taylor breakout game, 148 yds, 6.2 ypc
Rush Off disappointing, Red Zone issues hurt
RB1 D Taylor doubtful for Cal (leg inj)
QB Lindsey, RB Taylor as good as advertised

Roster Experience

Snaps & Starter Info

Snaps Returning

0 (0%) #1

%of Snaps by Upperclass
Offense: 0 #1
Defense: 0 #1
Players with Starting Exp () on Off, on Def

Upperclass

Starters 0 of 22 (0%)2-Deep 0 of 44 (0%)
Senior/Gr starters: 0 (0%) (Off: 0, Def: 0)
Upperclass Two-Deep: 0 of 44 (0%)
Upperclass on Roster: 40.2%(49 of 122)

Portals

Top '25 Incoming Portals

Malachi Coleman (WR)3★ (.89)
John Nestor (CB)3★ (.88)
A.J. Turner (RB)3★ (.88)
Marcellus Marshall (IOL)3★ (.88)
Logan Loya (WR)3★ (.87)
Drew Biber (TE)3★ (.87)
Dylan Ray (IOL)3★ (.87)
Kahlee Tafai (OT)3★ (.87)

Top Players

Top Performers on Roster

Top Players N/A Before 2025

Recruits

Top '25 Incoming Recruits

Emmanuel Karmo (LB)4★ (.90)
Bradley Martino (ATH)4★ (.90)
Jackson Kollock (QB)4★ (.89)
Jayquan Stubbs (DL)3★ (.88)
Enoch Atewogbola (EDGE)3★ (.88)
Ethan Stendel (LB)3★ (.87)
Legend Lyons (WR)3★ (.87)
Mark Handy (IOL)3★ (.87)

Overall

Four Year Ratings Profile

#69 #30 #68 #68

Offense

Four Year Ratings Profile

#105 #58 #78 #78

Defense

Four Year Ratings Profile

#37 #13 #49 #49