Recent content from Randy Johnson
Minnesota native Nessler looks forward to calling Gophers vs. Penn State
Brad Nessler last called a Gophers game in 2015. He grew up St. Charles, Minn., and got his broadcasting start in Mankato, so this has been a chance to reacquaint with old friends.
Big Ten football picks: No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Indiana to play one for playoff position
Unless it's a blowout, Cinderella (aka the Hoosiers) stands a chance to make the College Football Playoff field even with a loss.
Talented Gophers tackle Ersery gets classic matchup for home finale
Penn State will counter Aireontae Ersery with Abdul Carter, in what could wind up being a battle of first-round draft picks.
Steveson explains Gophers return, as UFC's Jones sees a future in mixed martial arts
Gophers heavyweight Gable Steveson said Monday that he does indeed have sights on competing for another gold medal at the 2028 Olympics.
Gophers hope second bye week propels them even better than the first one did
The competition will be tougher coming out of this bye week, with No. 4 Penn State coming to town.
Big Ten football power rankings: Where do Gophers sit entering final two weeks?
While Wisconsin was sacking its offensive coordinator, the Gophers used a bye week to get ready for Penn State next Saturday, followed by the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe.
Randy Johnson's college football bowl projections: SEC, Big Ten rule the roost
In the expanded 12-team playoff field, the SEC and Big Ten figure to have four teams each in the field and will gobble up all but one at-large spot.
Big Ten picks: Is Wisconsin the team that finally hands Oregon a loss?
The No. 1 Ducks will be in Madison, where the Badgers are rested coming off a bye week. Meanwhile, while USC and Nebraska square off at the L.A. Coliseum.
Andover wide receiver backs out of commitment to Gophers
Cameron Begalle, the state's fifth-ranked recruit in his class, posted that he is reopening his recruiting.
Steveson returns to wrestle for the Gophers two years after leaving the program
After winning a gold medal at the Japan Olympics and leaving college wrestling in 2022, Gable Steveson announced Tuesday that he's coming back to compete for the Gophers.
Big Ten power rankings: Missed chance for Gophers
Iowa started the weekend with a loss at UCLA, but with a chance to pull ahead of the Hawkeyes, the Gophers stumbled at Rutgers.
Analysis: Gophers know their mantra for rest of football season
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck often says, "Start fast, accelerate in the middle and finish strong,'' a philosophy that can apply to both a game and an entire season.
Gophers squander prime opportunity as Kaliakmanis leads Rutgers to 26-19 victory
Athan Kaliakmanis, the quarterback who transferred to Rutgers after starting for Minnesota last season, passed for 240 yards and three touchdowns as the Gophers' four-game winning streak was thwarted.
Raymond, Benjamin step up big at running back for Rutgers vs. Gophers
With Scarlet Knights leading rusher Kyle Monangai sidelined because of a head injury, true freshman Antwan Raymond led Rutgers with 73 yards while redshirt freshman Ja'Shon Benjamin added 66 yards against Minnesota.
Up-and-coming Gophers defensive coordinator Hetherman has Rutgers roots, too
Minnesota's defense has been crucial to the team's four-game winning streak, led by a coordinator with history on both sides of this rivalry, too.
Will an emotionally charged game go Rutgers' way instead of Minnesota's?
The Gophers football team is riding a four-game winning streak, and Rutgers has dropped four in a row. With familiar faces on both sides, Rutgers will be at home, coming off a bye.
When Kaliakmanis left the Gophers for Rutgers, two teams improved at quarterback
Rutgers views Athan Kaliakmanis as an upgrade over last year's starting QB, and the Gophers are leaps and bounds better with Max Brosmer. Neither team expressed hard feelings this week.
Big Ten football picks: Can Michigan spoil Indiana's magical ride?
While the Hoosiers look to go to 10-0, Iowa will try to stay sharp against UCLA in the Rose Bowl stadium.
Gophers are having a better season than most of their old Big Ten West foes
At 6-3 and 4-2 in the Big Ten, the Gophers are having a season reminiscent of their 2021 and 2022 teams, which came within a game of the Big Ten West title.
Gophers bowl game destination: Best-case scenarios, key factors at play
The Gophers are 6-3 with games remaining against Rutgers, Penn State and Wisconsin. If they keep winning, they could see the Florida sun.
Big Ten power rankings: Gophers keep climbing but still chasing Iowa
The Gophers are riding a four-game win streak, but the Hawkeyes clobbered Wisconsin and also defeated Minnesota 31-14 back in September.
Analysis: Victory at Illinois indicates again the Gophers' ability to gut it out
Minnesota overcame its own mistakes, "just taking what we got the whole way through," as QB Max Brosmer said.
Gophers' Big Ten winning streak reaches four with 25-17 victory at No. 24 Illinois
Jameson Geers scored the go-ahead touchdown, Dragan Kesich kicked four field goals, Darius Taylor ran for 131 yards and a TD and the Gophers finally beat coach Bret Bielema for the first time in 11 meetings.
Gophers turn to defense for certainty after offense turns over an opportunity
Minnesota benefited strongly from big defensive plays by Jah Joyner and Kerry Brown on the final two series.
Gophers get another crack at Illinois after last year's sudden, fourth-quarter collapse
Losing to the Illini sent the Gophers into a spiral last season, but a win this time would give Minnesota serious momentum for the stretch run.
Will Bielema improve to 11-0 all-time vs. Gophers? Randy Johnson's preview
The Gophers have a streak of their own going — three straight Big Ten wins — and will try to carry that momentum to Champaign against No. 24 Illinois.
Big Ten picks: Who wins, Penn State or Ohio State? Iowa or Wisconsin?
Saturday also brings Oregon at Michigan and Indiana at Michigan State, as the calendar flips to November in the Big Ten.
Gophers tight end Geers emerges as key target for Brosmer
Jameson Geers' leaping, 23-yard catch against Maryland last week was another example of what he can bring to this new, pass-oriented offense.
Analysis: Top-five matchup between Ohio State and Penn State carries added weight
Coaches Ryan Day and James Franklin both could use a big victory when their teams collide Saturday in State College, Pa.
Gophers will continue using freshman Perich on offense, too
Koi Perich quietly lined up for one play on offense in last Saturday's victory against Maryland. Coach P.J. Fleck said on radio, "He can handle it; he loves it."
Big Ten power rankings: Where do Gophers, Illini stand entering Saturday?
The Gophers take a three-game winning streak into Saturday's game at Illinois, which slipped in this latest ranking.
Bielema is 10-0 all-time vs. the Gophers; Fleck just wants this one
P.J. Fleck, who is 0-3 in games coached against Bret Bielema, spoke Monday of how much he respects him as a coach.
Gophers QB Brosmer, safety Perich honored by Big Ten
Max Brosmer was named Big Ten offensive player of the week on Monday, and Koi Perich was named Big Ten freshman of the week.
Analysis: Gophers coordinator Harbaugh puts the offense in position to succeed
Transfer quarterback Max Brosmer's progress has revitalized the passing game, but it's Greg Harbaugh Jr.'s creative teaching and play-calling that has resulted in a three-game winning streak.
Brosmer's brilliance stokes Gophers to 48-23 homecoming victory over Maryland
Saturday's victory improved the Gophers to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten, making them one win from reaching bowl eligibility.
Dinkytown Athletes finds $1 million match partner for NIL
Minneapolis-based investment advisor firm Nepsis Inc. will match up to $1 million to benefit the Gophers' football and volleyball programs.
Gophers vs. Maryland game has been quietly pivotal in recent years
The Gophers have seen seasons swing based on the outcome of this game, and Saturday's homecoming matchup pits two hungry, 4-3 teams.
Will well-rested Gophers top Maryland to stretch winning streak to three?
The Gophers are coming off a bye week, and Maryland is coming off a big victory against USC heading into this homecoming clash for Minnesota.
Robinson's transfer gives Gophers a DB they need, especially against Maryland
The Terps bring one of the Big Ten's best passing offenses to Minnesota on Saturday, and the Gophers counter with the cornerback tandem of Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson.
Ohio tight end recruit Nimmo decommits from Gophers
Cross Nimmo, a three-star recruit who had committed to the Gophers, announced on the X platform that he has reopened his recruitment.
Analysis: Big Ten midseason football awards, and a Gophers impact player makes the list
Randy Johnson's College Football Insider: The Big Ten offensive player of the half-year is a star fans could see coming, but few outside Minnesota would have predicted this defensive freshman honoree.
Big Ten football picks: Who wins, Illinois or Oregon? Penn State or Wisconsin?
Illinois is 6-1, but now comes undefeated Oregon. Meanwhile, the Badgers try to extend a three-game winning streak.
Gophers take inward look during bye week, stress need to get greedy
Improving the run game, stuffing the run and creating more takeaways are on coach P.J. Fleck's to-do list.
Big Ten football power rankings: Illinois climbs again, while Michigan tumbles
The Illini visit Oregon this week before playing host to the Gophers on Nov. 2. The Wolverines have several challenges still to come.
After two clutch victories, Gophers need their bye week
"We are held together by tape, bubble gum and straw," coach P.J. Fleck said ahead of a key stretch of games.
Another honor for Gophers freshman Perich, this time a national award
Koi Perich, from Esko, Minn., intercepted two passes in the Gophers' victory at UCLA.
Big Ten picks: Who wins, Illinois or Michigan? Nebraska or Indiana?
The undefeated Hoosiers have been one of the best stories in college football, but bigger a test is coming against Nebraska.
Gophers freshman Koi Perich named Big Ten defensive player of the week
Perich had two interceptions in the comeback victory at UCLA and now has four picks for the season.
Big Ten football power rankings: Gophers and Hawkeyes climb again
The Gophers were rewarded after their comeback win at UCLA. Iowa took a hit against Ohio State two weeks ago, but recovered nicely against Washington.
Analysis: Max Brosmer is showing he's a rare difference-maker at quarterback for Gophers
Max Brosmer is on a pace to break Gophers records for passing accuracy, and he's indicating a knack for making winning plays in high-stakes moments.
Gophers push past UCLA with a two-minute drill touchdown
Minnesota needed a score in the final 120 seconds and produced it on Max Brosmer's pass to Darius Taylor with 27 seconds left.
Gophers defensive end Jah Joyner is back to showing his disruptive self
Jah Joyner, the Gophers' leader in sacks last season, had only a half-sack after five 2024 games but made big plays over the two weeks heading into the UCLA game.
Gophers fans flock to Pasadena after six decades waiting to play at Rose Bowl Stadium
The Gophers estimate 12,000-15,000 of their fans will be there Saturday when they play UCLA in Minnesota's first game in Pasadena since the 1961 and 1962 Rose Bowls.
Will the Gophers stumble at UCLA after upsetting Southern Cal?
Emotions were high when Gophers fans stormed the field last Saturday. But with a bye week coming next week, Minnesota must take care of business at Rose Bowl Stadium.
Analysis: Oregon vs. Ohio State showdown arrives as 12-team playoff field starts taking shape
The Buckeyes, in particular, need a victory Saturday, since the toughest part of their schedule is coming, including games vs. Nebraska, Penn State, Indiana and Michigan.
Big Ten premier matchup time: Who has the edge, Oregon or Ohio State?
This week's Big Ten picks also feature a showdown between Penn State and USC, as the Trojans try to bounce back from last week's loss to the Gophers.
Gophers working to avoid letdown vs. UCLA after upsetting the other L.A. team
"We play in a very, very competitive league where every week is going to be a dogfight," Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said.
How far did Gophers climb in Big Ten power rankings after taking down USC?
The Gophers took a step last week after playing Michigan close, and this time, they were able to finish the deal.
Analysis: A Saturday night to remember for Gophers football trio
Gophers Football Insider: Bold moves by P.J. Fleck and his staff, plus key moments from QB Max Brosmer and freshman safety Koi Perich, add up to an upset of USC.
Touchdown in one end zone, INT in the other seals Gophers' upset of No. 11 USC
Max Brosmer's 1-yard plunge with under a minute remaining, his third TD of the game, gave the Gophers the late lead and Koi Perich's acrobatic interception set off a wild celebration at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Gophers leading tackler Baranowski out vs. USC
Maverick Baranowski, who leads the Gophers with 36 tackles, suffered what appeared to be a shoulder injury last week.
Stakes are high for USC and the Gophers entering Saturday night's clash
Each team has a loss to Michigan, by the same score (27-24), that suggests this one could be close, too.
Did the Gophers grow enough at Michigan to upset No. 11 USC?
The Gophers are looking for a complete game effort after turning in one good half, each, in losses to North Carolina, Iowa and Michigan.
How Gophers receiver Jackson made the catch of his life against Michigan
Daniel Jackson's highlight-reel touchdown reception against Nebraska last year helped set the stage for his acrobatic TD grab Saturday, which he called "by far ... my best catch."
Analysis: Indiana, Nebraska and Rutgers taking Big Ten by surprise
Rutgers went 7-6 and won a bowl game last season and is now 4-0, with former Gophers QB Athan Kaliakmanis and coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca running the offense.
Big Ten picks: Can Iowa pull a surprise at Ohio State?
The Hawkeyes knocked off Ohio State in Iowa City in 2017 but haven't won in Columbus in decades.
Fleck commends Big Ten for new officiating change after blown call at Michigan
The Gophers football coach said the Big Ten's decision to reposition line judges for onside kicks "makes it better for every team in our conference."
Big Ten power rankings: Indiana continues to rise, three-point loss helps Gophers
The Big Ten has the football teams you'd expect at the top — Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Michigan and USC — and then it gets interesting.
Blown offsides call in Gophers vs. Michigan game spurs Big Ten officiating change
Coach P.J. Fleck said the Big Ten acknowledged its mistake on Saturday's onside kick, and the Big Ten went on to change its officiating tactics.
Analysis: What fourth-quarter rally vs. Michigan tells us about the Gophers
The Gophers were left to ponder what might have been and what kind of team they are after staging a stirring fourth-quarter comeback in a 27-24 loss to the Wolverines.
Gophers score three TDs in fourth quarter but fall 27-24 to No. 12 Michigan after controversial ending
Minnesota erased an 18-point halftime deficit but could not quite complete the comeback at Michigan Stadium. Offsides was ruled on a late onside kick attempt, dousing the comeback.
Perich provides Gophers a big boost with 60-yard punt return
Freshman safety Koi Perich again showed his value on special teams, helping the Gophers get back in the game against Michigan in the fourth quarter.
Gophers defense at a tipping point: Stop the run, or get trampled trying
Michigan can win without passing - just ask USC - so the Gophers have a clear mission Saturday to improve their faltering run defense.
Can the Gophers pull a big upset at Michigan? Preview and prediction
The defending national champion Wolverines are coming off a marquee victory against Southern Cal. Michigan has a stifling defense, which has helped it overcome its passing issues.
Gophers' best hope at Michigan might be ex-Wolverines recruit Taylor
Minnesota needs to improve its running game, a daunting challenge against Michigan's stingy defense, but that's where Darius Taylor comes in.
