P.J. Fleck Lands a New Quarterback for MN Gophers
For the first time in maybe forever, the Minnesota Gophers have had competent quarterback play in back-to-back seasons. Max Brosmer left for the NFL , but Drake Lindsey will return as a redshirt sophomore in 2026 .
There is still plenty development for Lindsey to experience, and if he maxes that out, a long NFL career would hardly be a shock. A team is not on player deep though, and depth is always necessary.
Minnesota landed their first transfer portal commitment on Friday in the form of Liberty quarterback Michael Merdinger.
Related Headlines
Michael Merdinger joins Gophers quarterback room
There is no reason to believe Drake Lindsey won’t be starting under center for the Minnesota Gophers next season. He should have a new backup in the form of Liberty transfer Michael Merdinger.
As a three-star recruit out of Florida in 2024, Merdinger was offered by the Minnesota Gophers. He chose to go to North Carolina instead.
Merdinger played in just one game as a true freshman for the Tar Heels before transferring to Liberty last season. With the Flames in 2025, Merdinger played in five games and completed 21-of-41 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown.
Starter Ethan Vasko played in 10 games but led Conference USA with 12 interceptions. Merdinger opted against returning to Jamey Chadwell’s 4-8 Liberty squad and will battle for time in Minnesota.
Last season the Minnesota Gophers used Max Shikenjanski as their backup. He played in two games and completed 4-of-5 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. Merdinger has two years of eligibility remaining.
The Gophers seem as though they’ll lose Koi Perich in the transfer portal , but Anthony Smith , Karter Menz , and Darius Taylor have all signified a desire to return.
Related Headlines
