Gophers Ready to Make Playoff Push | Minnesota Golden Gophers Football News

Anthony Smith's Unicorn Rush | Minnesota Golden Gophers Football News

Anthony Smith, the Gophers’ defensive end, is dominating preseason hype after being named Big Ten’s preseason defensive player of the year—beating out Oregon’s top contenders. Last season, he led the conference with 12.5 sacks and 38 tackles while playing all 13 games. Standing 6’6” and weighing 285 lbs, Smith rejects the “power rusher” label, calling himself a “unicorn” to emphasize his all-around pass-rushing versatility. Meanwhile, quarterback Drake Lindsey, a redshirt freshman who threw for 2K yards and 18 TDs last year, earned just one vote for offensive player of the year—going to Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. The Gophers were picked to finish tenth in the Big Ten, and while Lindsey’s name is already trending in NFL Draft circles, he’s also navigating the fallout from a recent arrest he’s publicly addressed. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/63736eed773beaea

"Call your mom." - A Message From Corey

"Call your mom." - A Message From Corey

Gophers Ready to Make Playoff Push | Minnesota Golden Gophers Football News

The Minnesota Gophers are poised for a breakout 2026 season, armed with a veteran roster, a rising NFL-bound QB, and NIL-fueled returns from stars like Darius Taylor and Anthony Smith. Despite low preseason expectations and oddsmakers predicting just seven wins, this squad may be more talented than the 11-win 2019 team. Analyst Stewart Mandel believes head coach PJ Fleck has a golden opportunity to push Minnesota back into Big Ten contention—and possibly the playoff picture. With Fleck’s proven track record, including an undefeated bowl streak and fourth-most wins in school history, the Gophers have the foundation to answer fans’ growing question: “Why not us?” Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/b977bda8f9acd220

"Only Rock With Real Ones." - A Message from Corey

"Only Rock With Real Ones." - A Message from Corey

Lindsey’s Leap: Can Gophers QB Rise? | Minnesota Golden Gophers Football News

Drake Lindsey’s freshman year showed flashes of potential, ranking second in completion percentage and third in touchdowns while leading the team in fewest interceptions — stats that even rival Max Brosmer’s senior year. With a stronger receiving corps returning and a more open playbook expected, Lindsey is poised for a breakout sophomore season. Backed by a deeper, more experienced depth chart and promising freshman Owen Lansu, the Gophers’ offense looks set to take a major leap — turning the quarterback position into a true strength. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/029dc8fa6dd29a94