Minnesota Golden Gophers is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +5.4. Minnesota Golden Gophers enters the season with a power rating of +5.4, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Minnesota Golden Gophers host Eastern Illinois next in Week 1. In 2025, Minnesota Golden Gophers went 7-5 overall, 3-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Minnesota Golden Gophers Power Rating of +5.4 is 5.2 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Minnesota Golden Gophers have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 6,864 miles, ranking 73th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Eastern Illinois | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Mississippi State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | Akron | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Washington | 1,395 mi | 2,791 mi |
| Week 5 | Michigan | Home | 2,791 mi |
| Week 6 | Purdue | 448 mi | 3,688 mi |
| Week 7 | — | Bye | |
| Week 8 | Iowa | Home | 3,688 mi |
| Week 9 | Indiana | 527 mi | 4,743 mi |
| Week 10 | UCLA | Home | 4,743 mi |
| Week 11 | Penn State | 830 mi | 6,402 mi |
| Week 12 | Northwestern | Home | 6,402 mi |
| Week 13 | Wisconsin | 231 mi | 6,864 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Redshirt sophomore Drake Lindsey returns after a solid 2025 campaign (63% completion, 2,382 yards, 18 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). The Gophers are counting on him to take a leap in 2026, especially with three new wide receivers added via the portal, including Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings. If Lindsey improves, Minnesota's passing attack could become a real strength.
Minnesota ranked 116th nationally in yards per carry (3.57) last season, largely due to poor offensive line play. Senior running back Darius Taylor, who led the team with 915 scrimmage yards (670 rushing, 245 receiving), has worked with a chef and taken Pilates to be at his best. The Gophers need a more effective ground game to take pressure off Lindsey and control the clock.
The Gophers bring back 65% of their defensive production, including standout linebacker Maverick Baranowski (103 tackles, tied for sixth in the Big Ten) and defensive end Anthony Smith (Big Ten-best 12.5 sacks). However, the departure of safety/returner Koi Perich to Oregon could lower the unit's ceiling. The addition of Cal transfer TJ Bush Jr. (91 pressures, 13 sacks in three years) bolsters the pass rush, but the defensive tackle rotation is a concern after losing the top four from last year.
Field-goal kicking was a struggle in 2025, leading to a competition between Michigan transfer Beckham Sunderland and Daniel Jackson, neither of whom has attempted a collegiate field goal. Punter Tom Weston had a solid first season, but with Perich gone, the Gophers need to find reliable returners for punts and kickoffs.
Minnesota consistently finishes in the top half of the Big Ten despite being in the bottom half in player compensation. Head coach P.J. Fleck's 'Row the Boat' culture and strong personnel staff keep the team competitive. The Gophers are not expected to contend for the conference title, but they should avoid the bottom of the league and remain a tough, well-coached opponent.
Minnesota Golden Gophers is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Minnesota Golden Gophers holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +5.4, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Minnesota Golden Gophers's home field advantage rating is 2.8 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Minnesota Golden Gophers travels 6,864 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 73th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +5.4.
