1 burning issue for each Big Ten team as they head toward spring football (Minnesota — Can Gophers cash in on Darius Taylor’s return?)

Per Cory:

Minnesota — Can Gophers cash in on Darius Taylor’s return?​

Minnesota got a New Year’s present dropped in its lap on Jan. 2 when it was made known that the senior-to-be star running back was coming back for 1 more season instead of heading to the NFL Draft. With standout safety Koi Perich leaving via the transfer portal and, even worse, ending up at another Big Ten program in Oregon, it just made Taylor’s return on the other side of the ball that much more crucial to any success in 2026. Despite injury woes throughout his time at Minnesota, Taylor has piled up 2,455 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, with 687 yards receiving and 2 TDs out of the backfield.

The Gophers scratched out 8 wins last season, PJ Fleck‘s 4th winning season in the past 5 years, and while Taylor’s return doesn’t guarantee another one, it provides the gateway. Can they walk through? It’ll be a heck of a lot easier now with Taylor in tow.


Go Gophers!!

If he stays healthy…

He’s a game changer when able to play and or play at full speed. Seems like maybe 1/3 of the games since he’s been here qualify in that category.

Headline should probably be something more along the lines of - Can Darius Taylor stay healthy for a full season?

If he is healthy we will cash in because he is a difference maker when he is on the field. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield sets him apart from a lot of RB out there.

Wouldn't that be something if Taylor had such a great year that he was Heisman finalist?
(a guy can dream, can't he?)

Question: Who was the last Gopher to be in the Heisman finalists group? Marion Barber Sr?

GopherJack said:

Wouldn't that be something if Taylor had such a great year that he was Heisman finalist?
(a guy can dream, can't he?)

Question: Who was the last Gopher to be in the Heisman finalists group? Marion Barber Sr?

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Ibrahim?

GopherJack said:

Question: Who was the last Gopher to be in the Heisman finalists group? Marion Barber Sr?

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I will be seriously impressed if anyone can name the guy without looking at this list. Never would have thought of this one in a million years.

edit: I missed one when looking at the list. The most recent isn't shocking when you consider the player but still probably not one of the first people that a lot will think of. The one before that is one I doubt anyone outside of the most hardcore old timers would guess.