Randy Johnson
College football reporter
Gophers football Johnson also spent 17 years as sports copy editor/layout editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune after five years in a similar role with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He also was assistant sports editor and Penn State football beat writer for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., for five years.
Latest from Randy Johnson
Minneapolis native Emmett Johnson earns Big Ten award
The Nebraska standout from Holy Angels was named the conference’s best running back after rushing for 1,451 yards this season.
December 4, 2025
Gophers 2026 recruiting class might be Fleck’s best
Minnesota signed 31 prep recruits Wednesday, including several in-state standouts, to build a strong foundation for the future of the program.
December 3, 2025
Gophers defensive end Anthony Smith honored by Big Ten
Safety Koi Perich and punter Tom Weston were among the other six Gophers who earned all-conference honors Wednesday.
December 3, 2025
Who have the Gophers signed on early National Signing Day?
Highlighted by four-star Minnesota athletes Howie Johnson and Roman Voss, P.J. Fleck has an opportunity to ink his best recruiting class throughout his time with the Gophers.
December 3, 2025
P.J. Fleck’s early work pays off with strong 2026 Gophers football recruiting class
The Gophers’ 10th recruiting class under coach P.J. Fleck is shaping up to be their best, with several local standouts dotting the 31-player group.
December 2, 2025
Gophers star John Nestor earns Big Ten accolade
The transfer from Iowa was named Big Ten defensive player of the week after intercepting two passes and recovering a fumble in Minnesota’s 17-7 win over Wisconsin.
December 1, 2025
Gophers defense shows resilience in win over Wisconsin
After being gashed in November, it would’ve been easy for the Gophers to give in against the Badgers. Instead, the defense rallied together and had one of its best showings of the year.
November 30, 2025
Takeaways: Defense dominates as Gophers keep Paul Bunyan’s Axe
Back from injury, cornerback John Nestor had the best game of his career as Minnesota beat Wisconsin 17-7 in a snow-covered showdown Saturday afternoon.
November 30, 2025
Devon Williams, John Nestor back in action for Gophers vs. Wisconsin
Minnesota received good news as defensive starters Devon Williams and John Nestor are cleared to play in Saturday’s showdown with Wisconsin.
November 29, 2025
The Call: Everything to know ahead of Gophers vs. Wisconsin
The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is a lot more interesting after Minnesota’s recent struggles and the Badgers’ recent run of success.
November 29, 2025
Pennsylvania prep running back Niko Castillo commits to Gophers
Castillo has scored 35 TDs for Schuylkill Haven High School over the past two seasons.
November 29, 2025
Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe could have serious postseason implications
For the Gophers, a victory over hated rival Wisconsin could be the difference between a postseason trip to New York or Phoenix or heading to Detroit.
November 28, 2025
