The Minnesota Gophers football team is officially back in action as they prepare to open the 2025 season against Buffalo on August 28 at Huntington Bank Stadium. With training camp underway and the first practice set for Monday, Coach P.J. Fleck is getting his team ready for what will be his ninth season in charge. The Gophers have had six winning seasons during his time and are hoping to add another this fall.
Here are five key storylines to watch as the team gears up for the season:
1. Who Will Start at Quarterback?
After finishing 8-5 last season, largely thanks to solid quarterback play, Minnesota is looking for their next leader under center. Last year’s starter, Max Brosmer, gave the team consistency and poise. Now, all eyes are on redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey, who has been acting like the starter since January, although it’s not official yet.
Lindsey has the physical tools — he’s 6’5″ and 230 pounds — and had huge numbers in high school, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 54 touchdowns in his senior year. What he lacks is college game experience.
“This is the final step in building the team,” Lindsey said. “You have to bring your best every day and keep learning.”
The Gophers also have other quarterbacks in the mix, including Emmett Morehead (a fifth-year transfer from Boston College), Dylan Wittke (from Virginia Tech), freshman Jackson Kollock, and sophomore Max Shikenjanski.
2. Who Will Be the Go-To Receivers?
The team lost two of their top receivers, Daniel Jackson and Elijah Spencer, who combined for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Replacing them won’t be easy, but there’s some talent waiting in the wings.
Returning players like Le’Meke Brockington (282 yards last year) and tight end Jameson Geers (298 yards and 4 touchdowns) are expected to step up. They’ll also be joined by a few key transfers:
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Javon Tracy (818 yards at Miami of Ohio)
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Malachi Coleman (a highly rated recruit from Nebraska)
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Logan Loya (over 1,300 career yards at UCLA)
Coach Fleck is especially excited about Coleman, saying he brings rare abilities that could shine during camp.
Another interesting option is Koi Perich, a standout safety who practiced on offense in the spring and could be used as a surprise weapon.
3. Defense Led by a Star
Koi Perich isn’t just a potential offensive wildcard — he’s a key part of the defense, too. As a sophomore safety, he led the Big Ten with five interceptions last season and had 46 tackles, despite only starting three games.
He’ll lead a strong group of safeties that includes Kerry Brown and Aidan Gousby. However, the Gophers will have to fill big shoes at cornerback after losing both Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson, along with do-it-all defender Jack Henderson.
Perich is known for his ability to always be around the ball and make big plays. “I’ve always played both offense and defense,” he said. “I just want to help the team any way I can.”
As the Gophers begin their countdown to kickoff, they’ll spend the next month finding answers to these key questions — especially at quarterback and receiver — while building chemistry and preparing for a strong 2025 season.