Recent content from Randy Johnson
Analysis: Early impressions of the Big Ten's new football quartet. The highs and lows.
Washington stumbled once. Oregon took a minute to find itself. USC will know a lot more Saturday. And UCLA? Woof.
Can Michigan slow down USC? Randy Johnson's Big Ten picks
Nebraska and Illinois meet in a battle of 3-0 teams. Michigan State tries to extend its roll at dangerous Boston College.
Gophers, Hawkeyes still strongly disagree about the invalid fair-catch call
Cooper DeJean's negated touchdown happened last season but remains a hot topic heading into Saturday's game between Minnesota and Iowa in Minneapolis.
Gophers, Hoosiers climb in latest Big Ten football power rankings
USC and Michigan get ready to square off at the Big House on Saturday, while the Gophers and Hawkeyes play for Floyd of Rosedale.
A passing game takes flight, and four other things learned for Gophers
The Gophers have had one of the lowest-ranking passing offenses in the nation over the past three seasons, but that appears to be changing with Max Brosmer at quarterback.
Gophers blank Nevada 27-0 for first back-to-back shutouts since 1962
The Gophers go into Big Ten play with a 2-1 record and a feat that they had not accomplished in 62 years.
Gophers use Perich as punt returner in place of injured Redding
Freshman safety Koi Perich had two returns for 22 yards after the announcement came that Quentin Redding would miss the remainder of the season because of an injury suffered last week.
Gophers receiver Driver carries father's NFL tutelage into his own budding career
Donald Driver was a fixture for the Green Bay Packers for 14 seasons and is imparting those lessons to son, Cristian, who transferred to the Gophers from Penn State.
Will Nevada push the Gophers football team more than expected? Randy Johnson's prediction.
The Gophers face a Nevada team that went 2-10 each of the past two seasons but is much improved under new coach Jeff Choate.
Can Wisconsin upset Alabama? Oregon or Oregon State? Find out in Randy Johnson's weekly Big Ten picks
Washington vs. Washington State and Purdue vs. Notre Dame are two of the other notable Big Ten football games this week.
Gophers remain a work in progress, pleased with Rhode Island game but not satisfied
Coach P.J. Fleck needs his team to keep learning against Nevada on Saturday. Then comes a difficult three-game stretch vs. Iowa, Michigan and USC.
Nebraska, Illinois, Gophers — three teams moving up in this week's Big Ten power rankings
The Gophers sat last in the 18-team conference power rankings last week but have begun their climb.
Will the Gophers solve their Week 1 issues against Rhode Island? Randy Johnson's prediction.
A big key on defense will be slowing Rhode Island quarterback Devin Farrell, a Virginia Tech transfer who passed for 287 yards last week.
Who wins, Michigan or Texas? Colorado or Nebraska? Randy Johnson's Big Ten picks
This week's slate also features Iowa vs. Iowa State, with the Cyclones looking to defeat the Hawkeyes for just the second time in nine years.
Big Ten goes 17-1, and that lone losing team suffers in the new power rankings
In Randy Johnson's first installment of his weekly Big Ten power rankings, the landscape is mostly positive, but Minnesota has some climbing to do.
Gophers looking to grow from season-opening loss with Rhode Island up next
The Gophers have had extra time to stew in the aftermath of Thursday's season-opening defeat to North Carolina, and they will seek to clean things up ahead of Saturday's Week 2 game.
Analysis: Five things learned from the Gophers football loss to North Carolina
Quarterback Max Brosmer's debut drew the spotlight, but the Gophers will need better offensive line play and a better run defense moving forward.
Gophers lose to North Carolina on missed field goal, but there were bigger reasons than one kick
Without top running back Darius Taylor, the offense went three-and-out five times and new QB Max Brosmer had a costly fumble.
Gophers squander two second-half leads in 19-17, season-opening loss to North Carolina
Gophers kicker Dragan Kesich missed a 47-yard field goal as time expired, letting the Tar Heels escape with the win.
Gophers running back Taylor sidelined with injury for season opener
Darius Taylor, the Gophers' leading returning rusher, injured a hamstring during training camp.
Gophers kickoff vs. North Carolina postponed because of weather until 8 p.m.
St. Thomas also postponed its season opener against Sioux Falls until 8 p.m. The Tommies were scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Will the Gophers top North Carolina in the season opener? Here's Randy Johnson's preview.
Minnesota and North Carolina both withstood late-season slumps last year and are eager to open a new season with a primetime matchup.
The climb Gophers quarterback Brosmer is making, from FCS to FBS, is rare. Here's why it might work.
Max Brosmer wasn't a big-time recruit coming out of high school in Georgia, but he turned into a star at New Hampshire, and the Gophers are singing his praises heading into his FBS debut.
Randy Johnson's Week 1 Big Ten football picks
As the conference expands, so do the picks. Here's a look at the first large slate of games to open a brand new era of football.
Brosmer, Perich and six other compelling Gophers football players to watch
The Gophers open a new season Thursday vs. North Carolina with several new story lines and scores of players looking to make a difference.
Gophers adjust defensive identity under new coordinator Hetherman
Former defensive coordinator Joe Rossi left for Michigan State, so Gophers coach P.J. Fleck went back to his Rutgers roots.
New reality for Gophers football: A bigger Big Ten without the cushy West Division
Prognosticators aren't predicting big things for the Gophers, whose challenge just got greater with the Big Ten's expansion to 18 teams.
Big Ten football season preview: Does Oregon already have what it takes?
The Minnesota Star Tribune's Randy Johnson analyzes how this season will go for all 18 Big Ten teams.
Motzko finds plenty of reasons for optimism as Gophers men's hockey season approaches
Gophers coach Bob Motzko looks over his roster and sees a deep and talented group of defensemen, forwards with offensive flair and youngsters with grit.
Gophers reinforce running back corps with transfers
P.J. Fleck added several players through the transfer portal this offseason, including three running backs who give Minnesota a cushion they lacked in previous seasons.
First-round draft pick Claire Thompson signs two-year deal with PWHL Minnesota
The defenseman starred for Canada's gold medal-winning 2022 Olympic team.
PWHL Minnesota drafts defender Thompson with No. 3 pick
After winning the Walter Cup, Minnesota bolstered its roster at the PWHL draft on Monday at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
Keeping Lindenberg healthy could spark Gophers' defensive turnaround
Anoka native Cody Lindenberg was limited to four games last season with a hamstring injury but made his presence felt when he played.
Gophers football game-by-game preview shows difficulty — and major opportunities
The Gophers face an immediate test vs. North Carolina. The Big Ten slate includes Iowa, UCLA, USC, Penn State, Wisconsin and others who've given Minnesota fits.
Gophers' Ersery makes huge jump, now viewed as one of nation's top left tackles
In Aireontae Ersery, the Gophers have a left tackle with so much size, strength and agility that he's mentioned among college football's biggest "freaks."
Fleck studies Gophers' depth, nears decisions on key depth roles
Quarterback Max Brosmer, running back Darius Taylor and wide receiver Daniel Jackson were among those who had light duty Tuesday, giving backups more reps.
Kicker Dragan Kesich and punter Mark Crawford give Gophers a leg up on special teams
After strong 2023 seasons, the specialists should be key players again, and possibly among the best in the nation.
In open practice, Fleck sets a tone for new season for Gophers football
The U football team practiced an hour earlier Saturday evening at Huntington Bank Stadium in front of fans for what the program called F.A.M.I.L.Y. Day.
Home calls him back: Howard joins Gophers after first chance at LSU
Gophers defensive end Jaxon Howard made a calculated move, with help from his father, Willie, when choosing to leave LSU and transfer home to Minnesota.
Gophers football moves up Saturday's open practice to 5:30 p.m.
The possibility of inclement weather prompted the time change at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Gophers recruiting: Lineman from Oregon says no, Maryland safety says yes
Zac Stascausky, a lineman from Portland, decommitted from the Gophers, who then gained a commitment from Grant Grayton, a safety from Olney, Md.
Five questions as Gophers football team preps to open practice
The Gophers' 2024 season, in which they will be breaking in a new quarterback, kicks off Aug. 29 against North Carolina.
Gophers land East Ridge punter/pitcher Ryerse, Illinois QB Lansu
Luke Ryerse will be part of the 2025 recruiting class, while Owen Lansu will join the U football team in 2026.
Quarterback shuffle: Transfers expected to start for 14 of 18 Big Ten teams
The Gophers certainly aren't the only team using the transfer portal to fill the most important position in football.
Khyree Jackson remembered by his Oregon teammates at Big Ten media days
"We have to be grateful for the time we got to spend with Khyree, someone who was really tough for our team," Oregon coach Dan Lanning said.
Reigning Big Ten Kicker of the Year Kesich adds new job: Gophers social media liaison
Dragan Kesich, who kicked 23 field goals last season, conducted interviews Thursday at Big Ten media days.
Fleck's message at Big Ten Media Days: 'In 2024, it's OK to love where you're at'
Entering his eighth season as Gophers football coach, P.J. Fleck voiced appreciation for Minnesota's continuity at a time with so much changing in college sports.
Are four Big Ten newcomers ready for the 'NFL of college football'?
Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington are getting grilled on their physicality at Big Ten media days in what has become an 18-team super conference.
Five things to watch for the Gophers, others at Big Ten football media days
The Big Ten, now 18 schools strong, will meet the media from Tuesday through Thursday in Indianapolis.
Where did the Gophers land in the first 18-team Big Ten football media poll?
Defending national champion Michigan is projected to take a step back in the Cleveland.com poll.
U football players don't sugarcoat what needs to happen in 2024
Players stressed the need to get get "violent" — within the rules — to improve on last year's 5-7 record.
U running back Taylor pushes on with a father in prison for murder
Detroit native Darius Taylor Jr., has become a Gophers standout after being raised by his aunt and grandmother. He still keeps in regular touch with his father.
Texas offensive lineman Nelson McGuire III rescinds commitment to Gophers
The three-star player visited Arkansas and Texas Tech over the past two weeks.
Gophers' Fleck goes big — and goes West — with his 2025 recruiting class
The Gophers reeled in 13 verbal commitments over two 'Summer Splash' weekends, adding more linemen and more recruits from the West.
Gophers football gets 2026 commitment from Forest Lake's Johnson
Forest Lake defensive tackle Howie Johnson is the No. 2-ranked recruit in Minnesota after having a standout sophomore season.
U football receives pledges from six in key recruiting weekend
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck and his staff secured commitments from two offensive linemen, a defensive lineman, a linebacker, a running back and a wide receiver.
Wisconsin re-flips a Gophers football commit to Badgers' side
Torin Pettaway originally picked Wisconsin, then Minnesota, and now Wisconsin again after taking part in the Gophers' "Summer Splash" recruiting weekend.
Gophers land four-star receiver among six commitments
Bradley Martino from Naples, Fla., committed to Minnesota during a key recruiting weekend.
Gophers' prized recruit Perich arrives in Dinkytown ready to rock
A hamstring injury prevent Koi Perich from participating in the state track and field meet, but he's eager to get started with the Gophers.
PWHL draft comes to St. Paul with new (and old) names to watch
Former Gophers star Amanda Kessel is among the players available for the PWHL draft.
Gophers land commitment from Tarawallie, the second-ranked in-state recruit
Abu Tarawallie, a defensive lineman from Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, had Michigan State, Kansas State and Wisconsin as his other finalists.
Gophers football team unveils 2024 uniforms, adding stripes and a few other changes
The Gophers new football uniforms are the team's first significant change to its look since 2018.
Gophers football team lands key recruits ahead of 'Summer Splash'
Coach P.J. Fleck and the Gophers are coming up on two big recruiting weekends and have already landed some coveted players.
New Gophers QB takes teammates down South for training, bonding
Max Brosmer knows he has only one season to make his mark in Minnesota. He recently organized an excursion to South Carolina and Georgia with teammates to hone their skills and grow as a group.
Edwards still a pretty big deal in the city where he grew up
Most of the attention at an Atlanta sports bar on Sunday night was focused on baseball. But Edwards commanded some attention from fans gathered for Game 4 of the Wolvers-Nuggets series.
Minnesota Myth's game at Albany canceled; AFL team unable to make trip
A source close to the team said some payments have not been made to players and coaches.
Foggie resigns as coach of Arena Football League's Minnesota Myth
Amid other rumblings of turmoil across the new league, special teams coordinator Javon Hering joined former Gophers star Foggie in resigning.
Gophers add running back Jaren Mangham from Michigan State
Minnesota will be Mangham's fourth school. He was an American Athletic Conference honorable mention pick at South Florida and was at Colorado, too.
WWE releases Gable Steveson, closing a chapter for former Gophers sensation
Gable Steveson, who starred for Apple Valley and the Gophers before winning Olympic gold in 2021, was not a popular figure in the ring for WWE.
Gophers football: Seven transfers with big impact potential
The Gophers addressed quarterback, running back, wide receiver and offensive line needs through the portal, and made some key pickups on defense, too.
Former Gophers QB Kaliakmanis wins starting job at Rutgers
Incumbent starter Gavin Wimsatt entered the transfer portal after Athan Kaliakmanis' strong showing in the spring game.
Gophers receiver enters transfer portal after enrolling in January
Dallas Sims participated in winter conditioning and spring practice — and then decided he wants to play somewhere other than Minnesota.
U football adds offensive tackle for 2024, edge rusher for 2025
Aluma Nkele, 6-6 and 355 pounds, started five games for Texas-El Paso year and announced his transfer to the Gophers. An Indiana high schooler also committed to the U.
Penn State's starting goalie transfers to Gophers men's hockey
Liam Souliere has been the Nittany Lions' primary starter for the past two seasons and has one year of eligibility remaining.
U football adds No. 6 in-state recruit to 2025 class, loses 3 to portal
Andover wide receiver Cameron Begalle committed to the Gophers, but the team also saw two linemen and a defensive back from its spring roster enter the transfer portal.
