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
Gophers have some big questions as transfer portal for college football opens Friday
Koi Perich and Darius Taylor are two players who haven’t revealed their future plans as shakeup day for FBS teams approaches.
December 31, 2025
U.S., Sweden will battle for group supremacy in World Junior Championship
The Swedes seek revenge for 2024 gold medal loss on home ice.
December 31, 2025
Special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky will not return to the Gophers football team
Minnesota’s special teams struggled with inconsistent play this season and did not measure up well statistically.
December 30, 2025
James Hagens scores twice as Team USA beats Slovakia 6-5 to remain unbeaten at World Juniors
The Americans improved to 3-0 in St. Paul and will face Sweden on Wednesday for the Pool A top seed.
December 30, 2025
Gophers set to add Stanford defensive coordinator Bobby April III as rush ends coach
April also served as Wisconsin’s outside linebackers coach from 2018 to 2022.
December 30, 2025
Analysis: Gophers’ future looks brighter with Anthony Smith announcing his return
The standout defensive end, who excelled again in Friday’s Rate Bowl victory, said he will play his senior season with the Gophers.
December 28, 2025
Takeaways: Jalen Smith’s diving catch in overtime lifts Gophers past New Mexico in Rate Bowl
The redshirt freshman from Mankato had an incredible touchdown reception to keep the program undefeated in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck.
December 27, 2025
Players and teams to watch at the World Junior hockey tournament
Canada’s team is loaded with first-round draft picks, and defending champion Team USA has seven Minnesota players as the under-20 tourney begins Friday.
December 26, 2025
The Call: Everything to know ahead of Gophers vs. New Mexico in the Rate Bowl
The Gophers are aiming for their ninth consecutive bowl victory and seventh in a row under coach P.J. Fleck when they take on the Lobos in Phoenix.
December 26, 2025
‘You have to earn the right to stay’: P.J. Fleck reflects on Gophers tenure ahead of Rate Bowl matchup with New Mexico
The football coach, who was hired in 2017, will wrap up his ninth season with the program on Dec. 26 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
December 25, 2025
Former Bears QB Jim McMahon visits P.J. Fleck at Gophers’ Rate Bowl practice
Fleck, an Illinois native, dressed up as McMahon on Halloween for several years.
December 25, 2025
Gophers’ Darius Taylor, Anthony Smith to play in Rate Bowl against New Mexico
The two standout players have been practicing with the team leading up to the Dec. 26 game at Phoenix’s Chase Field.
December 24, 2025
