10 intriguing Gophers who could play big roles this season

The quarterback is making his first start after spending a year as an understudy. The pass-catchers feature new faces, highlighted by a trio of transfers who show promise for the present and future. On defense, veteran linemen are eager to show that they’re good enough to play on Sundays; a linebacker with a name to match his position returns to lead, and a safety duo aims to be difference-makers again.

Here are 10 intriguing Gophers to watch as the 2025 season opens:

A year ago, coach P.J. Fleck turned his offense over to graduate transfer Max Brosmer, who assembled one of the best QB seasons in program history while engineering an 8-5 season. Now, Fleck turns to redshirt freshman Lindsey, who learned at Brosmer’s side last year.

“You talk about his talents and his skill set, that’s one of the best I’ve ever had, if not the best I’ve had, at a very young age,” Fleck said. “Now, he’s got to go out there and do it in games.”

The Gophers have star power at running back in junior Darius Taylor, who amassed 1,336 yards from scrimmage last year. But as seasons such as 2021 and 2023 displayed, a team can never have enough running backs. In Turner, a transfer from Marshall, not only do the Gophers have added depth, but they also secured a big-play back who ranked second nationally with an 8.31 yards-per-carry average last year.

“His tape at Marshall, it’s fantastic with how explosive he is, how well he sees the game,” Gophers offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. said.

Daniel Jackson and Elijah Spencer combined for 81.4% of Minnesota’s wide receiver catches last year, so there will be footballs available for those who step up. Transfers Tracy (Miami of Ohio), Loya (UCLA) and Coleman (Nebraska) bring different skill sets and productivity timelines to the team. Tracy, who had 57 catches for the RedHawks last year, could emerge as a top target. Loya was a solid slot receiver for the Bruins with 109 career catches and 12 TDs. Coleman could need time to develop, but his 6-5, 200-pound frame screams end-zone fade target.

Two years ago, an injury to linebacker Cody Lindenberg forced the Gophers to use inexperienced youngsters, leading to a defense that allowed 26.7 points per game. Baranowski was one of those players forced in early, but now he has a year as a starter under his belt, and he’s poised to fill Lindenberg’s leadership role. Baranowski ranked second on the team with 65 tackles last year.

“I admire how hard he played,” Baranowski said of Lindenberg. “He set a standard for me and the rest of the linebackers.”

We all know about Perich, the do-everything safety and return ace who injected energy and fun into the Gophers last year. We’re finding out more about Brown, a third-year sophomore who filled the stat sheet with 63 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and four pass breakups last year. Together, Perich and Brown can help solidify a secondary that replaces both starting cornerbacks.

“It’s way easier this year because now we know what we’re doing,” Brown said. “We’ve all learned the techniques of the defense.”