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5 bold predictions for Gophers football in 2026
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- 5 bold predictions for Gophers football in 2026
We're 10 days away from Minnesota kicking off its 2026 regular season against Eastern Illinois on September 3. College football is always good at producing results that surprise. Here are five bold predictions that could shock Gophers football fans this fall.
Gophers win the Little Brown Jug
The Gophers haven't beaten Michigan since 2014, and they've only won the Little Brown Jug twice since 1986. I think people have forgotten how much of a disaster the Sherone Moore era was in Ann Arbor, especially the ending. Kyle Wittingham is a tremendous coach, but I am not confident it will be an overnight fix for the Wolverines. I expect Huntington Bank Stadium to be rocking on October 3, and I think Minnesota will find a way to knock off the Wolverines for one of the biggest wins in P.J. Fleck's tenure.
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Anthony Smith wins the Bronko Nagurski Award
A Gophers player has never won the award named after the greatest player in program history . Smith might have the best chance to become the first since the Nagurski Award started being presented to the nation's best defensive player in 1993. Smith had 12.5 sacks last season, and he needs 10 more to set the program's all-time record. Collin Simmons, Dylan Stewart and Leonard Moore are probably his top competition, but I think Smith being considered the nation's top defensive player is more possible than people realize.
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Anthony Smith (0) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Drake Lindsey throws for 3,000+ yards
Tanner Morgan is the only quarterback in the history of Gophers football to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a single season. His 3,253 yards in 2019 broke Adam Weber's 2007 record with 2,895, and Max Brosmer has been the only other player to come close in recent history with 2,828 yards in 2024. I am bullish on Minnesota's passing attack this season, and I think Lindsey has a great chance to get over the 3,000-yard mark.
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) throws a pass during warmups before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Gophers' wide receiver room could be their best since the 2019 season, and Lindsey is entering his third year in the system with offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. and quarterbacks coach Keegan O'Hara. This will require some big games against Eastern Illinois, Akron, Purdue and maybe one or two other shootouts, but I think there's certainly a path to a breakout season for Lindsey.
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Jalen Smith goes for 1,000+ yards
The Gophers haven't had one receiver surpass 1,000 yards in a single season since 2019, but someone needs to catch the football if Lindsey is going to top 3,000 passing yards. Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman had the two most prolific receiving seasons in program history that year, and I think Jalen Smith could flirt with those numbers this fall.
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith (8) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings has the potential to be Minnesota's leading receiver in any game, so it could take away from yards for Smith or Javon Tracy. I am also bullish on Smith's long-term potential, especially under new wide receivers coach Isaac Fruechte, and I think he leads the Gophers with more than 1,000 yards this fall.
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Gophers lead the Big Ten in sacks
Minnesota wasn't too far off from leading its conference with 35 last fall. Indiana was the only Big Ten team with more at 39. The Gophers' pass rush might be better this fall with the return of Smith, Karter Menz and Jaxon Howard, plus the addition of Cal transfer TJ Bush Jr. They were only six sacks off from the most in the entire country last season, and I think they flirt with the top spot.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Aug 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
