As the summer rolls along on our march to the start of a brand new college football season, we are beginning to dig deep into the makeup of the Big Ten and the rest of the college football world. The Big Ten has been riding high these past few years with three straight seasons ending with a Big Ten team crowned as kings of the college football world. Minnesota has proven to be one of the conference’s most consistent teams under PJ Fleck, with a nine year bowl streak. However, they may wish to enter the upper echelon of the conference with a sneak good roster.
Here is a quick look at the Minnesota Golden Gophers heading into the 2026 season.
Advertisement
Quick 2025 Recap
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
-
Record: 8-5, 5-4 in Big Ten
-
Bowl result: Beat Mew Mexico 20-17 in Rate Bowl
Minnesota continued to prove they were a paragon of consistency in the conference by making a bit of their own history. Under PJ Fleck, they not only secured their ninth straight bowl appearance but their ninth straight bowl victory. However, their most impressive feat was an unbeaten record at home for the first time since 1967.
Being able to complete that record by retaining the Paul Bunyan Axe over Wisconsin in the season finale had to feel good for this Minnesota squad. What probably didn’t feel as good were three major losses to some of the top teams in the conference: a 42-3 defeat to Ohio State, a 42-13 loss to Oregon, and an absolute drubbing on the road at the hands of one of their biggest rivals in Iowa, 41-3. This proves that Minnesota hasn’t quite become one of the conference’s elite just yet.
Advertisement
However, if they continue to remain as rock steady as ever, no one will truly be mad in the city of Minneapolis
Head coach: PJ Fleck, 10th season
Jan 1, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach PJ Fleck (sunglasses) reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
-
Record: 96-66, 66-44 with Minnesota
Very few coaches in the Big Ten stick around for a full decade. However, there is no coach in the conference quite like Fleck. The culture he has brought to the program has far exceeded anyone’s expectations. He is tied for the program lead in 8-win seasons, and he already accounts for 50 percent of the Golden Gophers‘ bowl wins. However, this year could prove to be pivotal. After signing a massive contract extension, he needs to prove that not only is he consistent, but that the team can reach higher heights. With a hungry squad and a revamped staff, Fleck could continue to do damage in the Big Ten. How much remains to be seen
Advertisement
Offensive player to know: Darius Taylor, Running back
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In his final year with the team, Darius Taylor will continue to drive its engine. While he is not one of the Big Ten’s best running backs, he is perhaps the most steady at the position. While he only rushed for 640 yards and four touchdowns on the year, his 34 receptions for 245 yards really helped out true freshman QB Drake Lindsey. In Minnesota’s bowl game, he also proved to be an important piece to the puzzle, where he rushed for 116 yards and 1 touchdown. Look for Darius Taylor to leave one final imprint on his career in Minneapolis this year.
Defensive player to know: Anthony Smith, Defensive End
Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Anthony Smith (0) celebrates during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Not only is Anthony Smith one of the most underrated players in the Big Ten, but he may be one of the most underrated in the country. Several scouts already have a first-round projection on him after an incredible junior season. He led the entire conference in sacks with 12.5, the first Minnesota player to do so since Karon Riley in 2000. To top it all off, he earned All-Big Ten first team honors and capped off the year with a bang against the Lobos, logging 6 tackles and two sacks.
Advertisement
Does Penn State face Minnesota in 2026?
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Luke Reynolds (85) runs after a fake punt against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Penn State will face Minnesota at home this year for the first time since a nerve-wracking victory over them in 2024 on the road to the College Football Playoff. Who knows? Both of these teams could be sneaky Big Ten contenders and perhaps Big Ten championship participants.
Penn State is scheduled to host Minnesota on Saturday, November 14. The time for the game has not been announced at this time.
Full 2026 Minnesota football schedule
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Home games in all CAPS.
-
September 3 (Thursday) vs. EASTERN ILLINOIS
-
September 12 vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
-
November 21 vs. NORTHWESTERN*
“*” designates Big Ten Conference game
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to know about Minnesota football in 2026
