Since arriving in Dinkytown in 2017, PJ Fleck has brought energy, consistency, and historic success to a Minnesota program long starved for national relevance. While critics have often focused on his unconventional mantras and high-octane personality, Fleck’s results speak for themselves. From reclaiming the Axe to historic bowl wins, the Gophers have reached heights not seen in generations. Here’s a look at the most iconic victories of the Fleck era—and what they meant to the program. And for those bettors, the Gophers have covered more than 55% of the time during Fleck’s tenure, leading to instant cash-out speed for those taking advantage.
Establishing a Culture (2017–2018)
Fleck’s signature win in his debut season came against Nebraska in 2017, a 54–21 beatdown that marked the Gophers’ largest margin of victory over the Huskers since 1945. It was a sign of things to come.
In 2018, the tide started to turn. The Gophers stunned Wisconsin 37–15 in Camp Randall, snapping a 14-year losing streak and reclaiming Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the first time since 2003. That season was capped with a dominant 34–10 win over Georgia Tech in the Quick Lane Bowl—Fleck’s first bowl victory and a statement that the culture was shifting.
The Dream Season (2019)
2019 remains the gold standard under Fleck. It began with a 31–26 win over No. 4 Penn State in a raucous TCF Bank Stadium, ending the Nittany Lions’ undefeated season and launching Minnesota into the national spotlight. That win was more than just an upset—it was a declaration.
A few weeks later, the Gophers clinched their first 10-win regular season since 1905 with a 38–22 win over Northwestern. They followed that by defeating No. 12 Auburn 31–24 in the Outback Bowl—Minnesota’s first New Year’s Day bowl win since 1961 and their first 11-win season since 1904.
Adversity and Resilience (2020–2022)
The COVID-shortened 2020 season tested every program, but none more than Fleck’s depleted squad that went into Lincoln and beat Nebraska 24–17 despite major roster limitations.
In 2021, the Gophers again stunned Wisconsin, this time at home 23–13, for their first victory over a ranked Badgers team since 2003. That was followed by an 18–6 win over West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, giving Fleck his third bowl victory.
The 2022 season featured more milestones: a 34–7 demolition of Michigan State marked the first win over the Spartans since 2009, and a 23–16 win in Madison secured back-to-back Axe victories for the first time since the 1990s. Fleck’s squad then outlasted Syracuse 28–20 in the Pinstripe Bowl, his fourth straight bowl win.
Recent Triumphs (2023–2024)
Fleck’s dominance over Nebraska continued in 2023 with a 13–10 win, the program’s fifth consecutive victory over the Huskers—the longest streak since the 1940s. But the true breakthrough came against Iowa. In a defensive battle, Minnesota stunned No. 12 Iowa 12–10 in Kinnick, marking Fleck’s first win against the Hawkeyes and snapping a painful losing streak.
That season concluded with a 30–24 win over Bowling Green in Fleck’s fifth bowl appearance.
The 2024 campaign saw more history made. In a landmark victory, the Gophers defeated No. 11 USC 24–17—their first win over the Trojans since 1955. They followed it up with a 25–17 win over No. 24 Illinois, their first against the Illini since 2020. Fleck’s crew then dismantled Wisconsin 24–7 in Madison, bringing the Axe back again and tying the all-time series.
Finally, in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Minnesota took down Virginia Tech 24–10—marking Fleck’s sixth straight bowl win and giving the Gophers their first-ever winning bowl record in program history.
The Legacy So Far
PJ Fleck has compiled one of the most impressive coaching resumes in Gopher history. His teams have not only won big games but done so with consistency. From defeating top-15 teams to stringing together bowl wins, Fleck has delivered on promises many doubted could be kept in the modern Big Ten.
Row the Boat. Ski-U-Mah.