Is the Minnesota Gophers Football Team on the Brink of a Breakthrough, or Are They Just Scraping By at the Season's Halfway Mark? Dive into this midseason analysis that might just change how you view their potential—and spark some heated debates along the way.
With a solid record of 4-2 overall, the Minnesota Gophers have shown flashes of promise, but they're still figuring out exactly who they are as a squad on both offense and defense. It's a journey of growth, filled with ups and downs that have fans on edge.
Published in The Minnesota Star Tribune on October 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM
Take Koi Perich, the standout safety who burst onto the scene as a true freshman last season. He struggled early this year, but his game-changing performance against Purdue—including snagging an interception and racing it back for a touchdown—could be the spark that ignites his season. (Photo: Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
The Gophers have clinched victories in contests where defeat seemed likely and stumbled in one they might have seized. They notched a methodical win against a team from the Mid-American Conference, overwhelmed an outclassed FCS opponent, and got a harsh lesson in dominance from the reigning national champs.
Now, at the season's midpoint, Minnesota sits at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten action. Their next test kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday against the No. 25 Nebraska Cornhuskers at Huntington Bank Stadium, ushering in the back half of the regular season—six games left, split evenly between home and away. These upcoming matches will shape perceptions of the year: Will it be remembered as excellent, decent, average, or disappointing?
But here's where it gets controversial... What lies ahead for the Gophers?
The team's performance in the next seven weeks—including a bye week—will reveal a great deal. Could they secure enough wins for a bowl appearance (they need at least two more, and possibly more for a prestigious spot)? Might they claim a trophy or two, especially in showdowns against rivals like Iowa and Wisconsin? And is there a chance for a thrilling upset, such as on November 14 when they face No. 8 Oregon?
No one has a crystal ball, and even expert predictions are shaky because the Gophers are still evolving as a team. In fact, it's easier to pinpoint what they're not than what they are.
They're not like the explosive 2019 squad led by Tanner Morgan, Tyler Johnson, and Rashod Bateman, which racked up 34.1 points per game and 10.2 yards per pass attempt en route to an 11-2 finish.
Nor do they resemble the tough, ground-based 2022 team under Mohamed Ibrahim, which pounded opponents for over 200 rushing yards per game and posted a 9-4 record.
They also differ from the 2023 version, which managed only a 52.6% pass completion rate and ended with a 5-7 regular-season mark behind quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.
And this is the part most people miss... Related Coverage
Coach P.J. Fleck highlights the intangible qualities that have impressed him about this 2025 roster.
'It's their resilience, their determination, their bravery, their grit,' he shared. 'They're an absolute joy to coach because they're deeply bonded. Our top performers have delivered in crucial moments, and I expect them to keep shining in the second half.'
Let's break down what's clicking for the Gophers and areas that need improvement as they gear up for the remainder of the season:
What's Working
The Quarterback Position: After a successful transfer portal addition brought standout QB Max Brosmer last year, head coach P.J. Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. chose to invest in growth this time. They entrusted the starting role to redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey, a dedicated hard worker who's benefiting from Brosmer's guidance—conveniently, since Brosmer is now with the Minnesota Vikings.
Lindsey averages 214 passing yards per game, with nine touchdowns and just three interceptions. His completion percentage of 60.1% dipped during the Purdue game, but he's proven reliable in tight spots, orchestrating comebacks from 14-point deficits (to defeat Rutgers) and 10-point holes (to narrowly beat Purdue).
It might be easy to give Lindsey a pass due to his inexperience, but Harbaugh avoids that mindset.
'I never really saw him as just a freshman,' Harbaugh explained. 'We didn't want to plant that idea in his head, and Coach Fleck felt the same. He needs to perform like a veteran from day one. ... Every challenge he faces is a learning opportunity. He'll err, grow from it, and improve moving forward.'
The Tight End Group: Jameson Geers tops the team with three touchdown receptions on 13 catches, emerging as a dependable target for Lindsey. Frank Bierman (76.9) and Pierce Walsh (76.8) have received strong run-blocking scores from Pro Football Focus, a site that evaluates player performance.
A Fully Fit Darius Taylor: The running back sat out the games against California and Rutgers due to a hamstring issue and played sparingly at Ohio State once the Buckeyes dominated. But against Purdue, he showcased his value, turning a screen pass into a 40-yard gain that revved up the offense. His receiving grade of 78.4 from PFF stands as the team's highest.
Safeties Koi Perich and Kerry Brown: Perich, who led the Big Ten in interceptions as a true freshman last year, finally clicked against Purdue with a well-timed blitz and coverage that led to a 27-yard pick-six (an interception returned for a touchdown) that sealed the win. Earlier, Brown's diving interception at the 1-yard line was equally crucial in preventing a score.
Anthony Smith: This edge rusher (a defensive player who pressures quarterbacks from the side) leads with 4½ sacks and 6½ tackles for loss, plus nine quarterback hits and 14 hurries per PFF.
What Needs Work
Run Blocking: The Gophers are averaging just 112.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 115th in the nation. It's not solely the offensive line's fault, but they haven't excelled. Using Pro Football Focus grades (which may differ from the team's internal metrics), scores below 59.9 are subpar, 60-69.9 are average. Starter grades for the season: left tackle Nathan Roy at 67.6; left guard Marcellus Marshall at 49.2; center Ashton Beers at 51.9; right guard Dylan Ray at 66.3; right tackle Greg Johnson at 64.7.
Tackling: Since facing Power 4 opponents (top-tier conferences like Big Ten, SEC, etc.) starting September 13 at Cal, the Gophers have recorded 58 missed tackles via PFF—about 14.5 per game. This sets the stage for defensive breakdowns.
'Our primary goal is to fix this,' said linebacker Devon Williams, the team's top tackler. 'It all begins in practice.'
These tackling woes are evident in their run defense, where Minnesota allows 174.7 rushing yards per game in Big Ten play, placing 16th out of 18 teams.
Place-Kicking: Brady Denaburg performed his best against Purdue, landing a 46-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 29-yarder at halftime's end. However, he's only 1-for-4 on attempts of 40 yards or more.
'We've got an exciting test ahead,' Fleck remarked. 'I can't wait for Friday night against a Top-25 opponent at Huntington Bank Stadium.'
There you have it—a balanced look at the Gophers' season so far. But is relying on 'intangibles' like resilience enough to build a championship-caliber team, or does this approach overlook the need for more tangible skills on the field? Some might argue they're destined for a bowl berth with a few more wins, while others see a squad still searching for its soul. What’s your take? Do you believe the Gophers can turn things around and shock the Big Ten, or are they setting themselves up for disappointment? Agree or disagree—drop your opinions in the comments and let's debate!
