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Gophers Finish Way Higher than Projected in Final Top 140 of 2024
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- Gophers Finish Way Higher than Projected in Final Top 140 of 2024
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Fighting Fleck's are just a few weeks removed from their impressive season-capping win against Virginia Tech in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Monday saw the culmination of the college football season with Ohio State taking down Notre Dame in the National Championship. Now, we can look back at the Gophers season.
Before flipping the page to 2025 , it's worth looking back at the year that was. Minnesota actually comes out with a solid finish amongst the 134 teams at the FBS level.
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Minnesota Gophers within striking distance of the top 25
The AP Top 25 is a weekly measuring stick of performance. Losses to Iowa and Michigan set the Gophers back midseason, but a victory against Rutgers probably would have elevated them into the group nearing the end of the scheduled season.
In a final ranking of teams this season, The Athletic put Minnesota at 39th .
| Rank |
Team |
Record |
Preseason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 |
Texas A&M |
8-5 |
23 |
| 32 |
Florida |
8-5 |
35 |
| 33 |
Tulane |
9-5 |
42 |
| 34 |
Baylor |
8-4 |
69 |
| 35 |
TCU |
9-4 |
47 |
| 36 |
Vanderbilt |
7-6 |
95 |
| 37 |
Georgia Tech |
7-6 |
48 |
| 38 |
Iowa |
8-5 |
18 |
| 39 |
Minnesota |
8-5 |
61 |
| 40 |
Duke |
9-4 |
54 |
Of the teams ahead of the Gophers in this grouping, only Baylor and Vanderbilt had lower preseason expectations. Max Brosmer transferred in and transformed the quarterback position for P.J. Fleck.
Related: 2025 Minnesota Gophers Football Schedule Released + Early Record Prediction
Max Brosmer (Minnesota) is probably my favorite Day 3 QB. Absolute machine on intermediate throws and is by far the best anticipatory passer that I've watched. I'd draft him just to specialize as my 3rd & medium QB. pic.twitter.com/wJCRgekYKi
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 17, 2025
There's probably arguments to be made that neither Vanderbilt or Georgia Tech belong ahead of the Gophers. That said, both had some very strong wins this season. Vandy knocked off Alabama and lost to Texas by just three points.
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The Gophers wind up neck and neck with Iowa. Their position immediately following makes sense after the Hawkeyes showed up to Huntington Bank Stadium and took home the win. That was certainly a matchup that Minnesota felt like got away.
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Next season for the Maroon & Gold
Next season is a big one for Fleck. Quarterback uncertainty looms with Drake Lindsey as the top returner . Georgia Tech transfer Zach Pyron also will compete for that starting role. If the offense can look similar, then a double-digit win total is not out of the question.
Related: Gophers Football All-Time Great Lands Coaching Job at Kent State
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There is little chance that Minnesota knocks off either Ohio State or Oregon on the road, but they should be competitive in every other game. A top 25 ranking next season isn't out of the question. Fleck has plenty to build on here.
