Recent content from Randy Johnson
Gophers land pair of offensive linemen via portal
Kahlee Tafai, a 6-5, 338-pounder who started four games for Washington this season, and 6-6, 310-pounder Dylan Ray formerly of Kentucky join a team rebuilding their offensive line.
Gophers linebacker Lindenberg declares for NFL draft
Cody Lindenberg, who has one year of college eligibility remaining, is leaving the Gophers after a standout junior season.
Gophers patch one offensive line hole with Central Florida transfer
The Gophers were down to one returning offensive line starter for next season but added Mid-American Conference veteran Marcellus Marshall.
Gophers offensive lineman Daniels transfers to Ohio State
Two days after entering the transfer portal, Philip Daniels landed with Ohio State.
Gophers receiver Kristen Hoskins enters transfer portal
Kristen Hoskins played three games over three seasons with the Gophers before entering the portal.
Gophers' Daniels enters transfer portal, leaving just one returning offensive line starter
The Gophers also landed a defensive line transfer in Rushawn Lawrence, and Aireontae Ersery was named third-team AP All-America.
Gophers land running backs, All-MAC receiver via transfer portal
A.J. Turner, leaving Marshall, Cameron Davis, exiting Washington, and Cole Cabana, departing Michigan, bolster Minnesota's backfield. Javon Tracy, from Miami (Ohio), joins the receiver corps.
Gophers go missing in third period, fall hard against Spartans in men's hockey
No. 3 Michigan State scored the final four goals and rallied past top-ranked Minnesota for a 5-3 victory.
Gophers and Spartans play to draw in highest-level men's hockey; Michigan State banks extra shootout point
Minnesota, ranked first in the nation, dealt with injury and absence against No. 3 Michigan State.
Gophers defenseman Rinzel, a first-round NHL pick, emerges as Hobey Baker candidate
The Gophers men's hockey team can trace Sam Rinzel's improvement this past offseason down to the second, and he'll be a focal point in this weekend's series against No. 3 Michigan State.
Gophers add tight end from Purdue via transfer portal; linebacker Baranowski says he's staying
Drew Biber, who made 13 catches for the Boilermakers in 2024, will arrive with one season of eligibility remaining.
Gophers get transfer QB commitment from Georgia Tech's Zach Pyron
The Yellow Jackets backup played in 10 games this season, completing 35 of 63 passes, and rushed for four touchdowns.
Gophers football assistant pay ranks towards bottom of Big Ten
USA Today's annual assistant coach salary report had the Gophers 15th out of 15 Big Ten schools that responded.
Gophers football to play at Wrigley Field vs. Northwestern next November
The Big Ten finalized the league schedule for next season, with some interesting twists for the Gophers.
Gophers to face Virginia Tech in Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3
Riding a seven-game bowl winning streak, Minnesota will close out the 2024 season when it faces ACC representative Virginia Tech on Jan. 3 in Charlotte, NC.
Charlotte for Bowl Season? Gophers Mayo be headed that way
Nothing is official yet but if things shake out in likely order, the Gophers could be headed to North Carolina for the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3
Gophers sweep Michigan with two shutouts, which U hadn't done since 1943
Liam Souliere made 22 saves and Sam Rinzel's first-period power-play goal helped carry the Gophers past the Wolverines.
Gophers defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman signs contract extension
The new deal for the former Rutgers assistant runs through the 2026 season.
Perich, Taylor post they won't leave the Gophers, invite fans to donate to them via app
The two underclassmen are partnering with Roy Inc., a Minneapolis-based company that developed an app for making direct name, image and likeness contributions to athletes.
No. 4 Gophers men's hockey faces No. 6 Michigan, knowing it must score first
The Gophers have been inviting danger, falling behind early, so that will be a point of emphasis during a showdown series against the Wolverines.
Gophers sign the top three in-state recruits, and reel in 18 others that have Fleck raving
On the first day of college football's early signing period, Minnesota signed 21 players, with two who had verbally committed signing elsewhere.
Gophers defensive end Joyner accepts Senior Bowl bid
Jah Joyner's move is an indication that the pass rusher won't return for his final year of eligibility in 2025.
Gophers football recruiting class of 2025: Signed, sealed and delivered
A closer look at the 21 players who signed with the Gophers on Wednesday, the first day of college football's early signing period.
P.J. Fleck and the Gophers signed the state's top three recruits, headlined by Emmanuel Karmo
Gophers have clear plan on signing day, get better in the trenches
Minnesota's top in-state recruit, Karmo, appears ready to sign with Gophers
Emmanuel Karmo heads a 21-player Gophers football recruiting class heading into Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
Gophers expected 2025 football recruiting class
Fleck has a four-star quarterback and the top-ranked player in Minnesota in this class.
Gophers' Ersery named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year
Koi Perich, a true freshman safety for the Gophers, was also a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media.
Gophers defensive linemen McCoy, Schwartz enter transfer portal
Luther McCoy saw limited action for the Gophers this season and took part in the team's Senior Walk before the Nov. 23 game against Penn State.
Big Ten football power rankings: Where did the Gophers finish?
The last week of the regular season brought a shakeup, with Michigan playing spoiler against rival Ohio State, and Iowa taking on Nebraska.
Analysis: Gophers await their bowl assignment. Yes, Nashville is in the mix. No, Detroit is not.
At least four Big Ten teams are likely to be in the College Football Playoff field. Minnesota's possibilities start with the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte and the Music City Bowl.
High school offensive tackle commits to Gophers football team
A 6-6, 275-pounder, Kaveon Lee is a three-star recruit from Plainfield Central in Illinois who made his official visit last week.
Gophers roll to 24-7 victory at Wisconsin to reclaim Paul Bunyan's Axe
Minnesota built a 21-0 lead and held off a brief surge by the Badgers to finish the regular season at 7-5. Wisconsin fell to 5-7, ending its 22-year streak of gaining bowl eligibility.
Gophers lineman switches sides, changes spots and 'we just roll'
An injury stopped Aireontae Ersary, a coach said, "Yo, I need you," and Quinn Carroll, who had started at right guard, suddenly became a left tackle.
Gophers football has taken Brosmer and his parents for a wild ride, with Camp Randall next
Max Brosmer and family have seen the Rose Bowl stadium and Michigan Stadium. They rushed the field after beating USC. And Friday they'll experience the most-played rivalry in college football.
Will the Gophers reclaim Paul Bunyan's Axe? Randy Johnson's preview and prediction
Wisconsin is riding a four-game losing streak, but the Badgers are a dangerous team that lost 16-13 to No. 1 Oregon two weeks ago.
Big Ten football picks: Oregon or Washington? Michigan or Ohio State?
Indiana can punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff if it takes care of rival Purdue. And the same goes for Ohio State against Michigan, of course.
Analysis: This time, the Gophers can win the Axe and chop down Wisconsin's bowl hopes
The Badgers just need one more win for a bowl bid, but that's been the case going into their past four games, all losses.
Gophers' Brosmer, Carroll say they'll definitely play in the team's bowl game
Despite the national trend of more players opting out of bowl games, Gophers QB Max Brosmer and offensive lineman Quinn Carroll both intend to finish out in a bowl.
Big Ten power rankings: Has Wisconsin dropped into the bottom third?
The Gophers are still in the 18-team Big Ten's top half — for now, at least — and Nebraska hopes to keep climbing.
Analysis: Gophers indeed had their chance vs. Penn State, but they just couldn't deliver
Though the Gophers checked key boxes in their upset bid, the Nittany Lions countered with a late third-quarter go-ahead touchdown and three fourth-down conversions on their final drive, including a fake punt, to claim the win.
Gophers fall just short of another upset of Penn State
Nittany Lions converted on three fourth downs while protecting one-point lead to keep Gophers from getting ball back.
Gophers football honors 23 players for Senior Day
Seven of the players have eligibility for 2025 should they decide to return to the program.
Gophers vs. No. 4 Penn State stirs vivid memories from Minnesota's 2019 triumph
From the 2019 Gophers roster, 24 players went on to play in the NFL, but first they had a November day for the ages in Minneapolis.
Can Gophers upset No. 4 Penn State?
Gophers' final home game of season comes against Nittany Lions team in contention for College Football Playoff.
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.
