The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Team had high hopes for a Big-Ten West Division title in 2023. Unfortunately, their undoing was an inconsistent passing attack, costly turnovers, and late-game defensive backfield breakdowns. They ended their season with a 6-7 record and only earned a bowl berth due to their academic standing.
But a new on-field leader, some returning veterans, and exciting new arrivals have given Coach P.J. Fleck reason for optimism. Their conference schedule has certainly gotten more challenging due to the arrival of the four new ex-Pac 10 teams. Predictions are over the board on how they will fare this season, but let’s analyse this Gophers team and see how their season might play out.
Gophers Offense
New Leader Comes to Town
Fleck reached into the transfer portal hat and pulled out a real gem. Max Brosmer excelled for New Hampshire last season. Trying to move past the disappointment of the Athan Kaliakmanis led offense last season, P.J. brought in a poised, cool, leader to marshal his team to Big Ten glory. He was ranked second in the country in passing yards (3,464) and touchdown passes (29). After last season, he was named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team.
Catching balls from Brosmer this season is a mix of a talented veteran and some skilled but unproven receivers. The bright spot in their passing attack last season was Daniel Jackson who led the team with 59 catches, 831 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns. For his accomplishments, he was awarded a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team. Also returning is Le’Meke Brockington who appeared to be hitting his stride last season when he was felled by a season ending leg injury.
2023 Charlotte transfer Elijah Spencer should take the next step after getting his feet wet last season. Youngsters Kenric Lanier II and Kristen Hoskins hope to get in on the action this year. And Georgia transfer Tyler Williams has an amazing skill set that Minnesota coaches are really excited about.
Darius Taylor on the Run
There was some fear after last season that star running back Darius Taylor might opt to enter the transfer portal. But he assuaged those fears and is coming back for his sophomore campaign. The three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week in 2023 hopes to increase his yardage total and stay healthy this season. Despite missing several games due to injuries last season, Taylor still ran for 799 yard and scored 5 touchdowns.
Oklahoma Transfer back Marcus Major hopes to lighten Taylor’s workload in 2024. He rushed for 335 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Sooners. And Sieh Bangura comes in from Ohio University where he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 22 scores in two seasons with the Bobcats.
Gophers Offensive Line Could Be Elite
The Gophers return four starters from last year’s offensive line, albeit with a couple of position switches. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery is the name to remember. The Outland Trophy candidate is a devasting blocker and is projected to be a first or second round pick in next year’s NFL Draft. Left guard Tyler Cooper started 11 games last season and acquitted himself well in his debut as a starter.
Last year’s right tackle Quinn Caroll will move inside to right guard in 2024 where the Gophers’ hope to utilize his elite run blocking skills. Martes Lewis moves from right guard to right tackle where he will fight for playing time with redshirt freshman Phillip Daniels. Greg Johnson gets the start at center after being a key rotation component last season.
Minnesota’s two main tight ends this year will be Jamison Geers and Nick Kallerup. Geers hope to replace the talented Brevyn Spann-Ford who just made the Dallas Cowboy’s 53-man roster. And Kallerup is a quality blocker who will open holes for Taylor and pass protect for Brosmer.
Gophers Defense
Veteran Defensive Line
Much like the Gophers’ offensive line, their defensive counterparts return several strong contributors from last season. Danny Striggow and Jah Joyner return to man the end positions and Joyner in particular is poised to have a breakout season. He finished with 7.5 sacks last season and is a dynamic pass rusher. LSU transfer Jaxon Howard will provide depth to the two starters. With three years of eligibility remining, he could be their sacks leader in 2025 and beyond.
Deven Eastern returns for another season at defensive tackle. Joining him in the starting lineup will be Jalen Logan-Redding who moves inside from his end position to replace Kyler Baugh who graduated after having 41 tackles and 3 sacks in his senior season. Veteran Logan Richter and Clemson transfer Darnell Jefferies provide depth at this position. Also watch for developing red shirt sophomore Anthony Smith who could be a force both at tackle and end.
Lindenberg is Back
The only thing that was good about middle linebacker Cody Lindenberg missing much of last season was the experience that some young linebackers received playing in his absence. Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams had to step up and while there were plenty of growing pains, they both improved as the season worn on. But now, Lindenberg, one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten is back so the starting three are strong.
Tyler Stolsky and Joey Gerlach are the backups and there is not a lot of game experience between the two of them. Jack Henderson will come in and play a variation of the monsterback position for the Gophers. He did lead the team in tackles last season but more on him later when we discuss the secondary. In short, this unit will be a plus for the team if the starters can stay healthy for most of the season.
Revolving Door
The best thing about the Gophers cornerback unit is the return of veteran Justin Walley. Walley was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer who has 7 career interceptions. Replacing last year’s other starter Tre’Von Jones, is Bucknell transfer Ethan Robinson. Robinson was first team All-Patriot League last season and has 5 career interceptions.
Another new face, TCU transfer Jai’Onte’ McMillan will be the primary backup for Walley and Robinson and on occasion will be used as a nickelback. Same for Mr. All-Everything Henderson, who will be deployed all over the secondary and will even slide in at linebacker from time-to-time.
Nubin-less Nation
What do you say about a unit that loses an All-American who is now plying his trade for the NFL’s New York Giants. Hard shoes to fill? You bet. But the Gophers must soldier on without all-time great free safety Tyler Nubin. Coleman Bryson has some game experience and will likely be Nubin’s successor. Darius Green and Aidan Gousby will share time at the strong safety position.
Kerry Brown lacks experience but he will initially be the backup at both safety positions. Waiting in the wings is exciting freshman Koi Perich from Esko Minnesota who is someone to keep an eye out for. The Gophers top recruit in this year’s class, Perich could be factor in the second half of the season and has already been named to recruiting website On3’s preseason True Freshman All-American Team.
This Unit is Special
Gophers’ placekicker Dragan Kesich is one of the best kickers in college football. A Groza Trophy preseason candidate. he will be called upon in many clutch situations again this season. Punter Mark Crawford has a big leg, but he must develop more consistency.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Algrim is the long snapper. Quentin Redding and the return teams must step up their game this season and improve Minnesota’s field position on a consistent basis.
P.J. Fleck and his team have a rough schedule. But with many frontline starters returning this year and some exciting newcomers, the Gophers have a fighting chance to be bowl-eligible again this season.
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1 thought on “Minnesota Gophers Football 2024-25 Season Preview”
Great article Greg! Hope this season will be a very successful one for the Maroon and Gold. I sent you an email on 08/22, but it probably went into your junk mail folder.
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