BleedGopher
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Per ESPN:
Why he'll start: Rather than go back to the portal to replace 2024 starter Max Brosmer, Minnesota committed to a homegrown quarterback in Lindsey as a long-term solution. After redshirting in 2024, Lindsey capitalized on his opportunity, showcasing impressive arm talent and field awareness, and helping Minnesota to eight wins and the team's ninth consecutive bowl win. The 6-5, 230-pound Lindsey had 2,382 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only six interceptions on 389 attempts. He did not throw an interception in his final five games and fired seven touchdown passes in the final three, including the game winner in overtime at the Rate Bowl. Lindsey struggled with accuracy at times but showed improvement down the stretch. He will have several of his top receivers back as Minnesota tries to build its passing game.
Competition: Max Shikenjanski was the only Minnesota quarterback other than Lindsey to complete multiple passes this season, and he returns with two years of eligibility. The team picked up Liberty transfer Michael Merdinger, who had 350 passing yards on 41 attempts in 2025. Minnesota lost Jackson Kollock, the quarterback from its 2025 class, to the portal, but added two three-star recruits for 2026 in Brady Palmer and Owen Lansu.
www.espn.com
Go Gophers!!
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2026 starter: Drake Lindsey, redshirt sophomoreWhy he'll start: Rather than go back to the portal to replace 2024 starter Max Brosmer, Minnesota committed to a homegrown quarterback in Lindsey as a long-term solution. After redshirting in 2024, Lindsey capitalized on his opportunity, showcasing impressive arm talent and field awareness, and helping Minnesota to eight wins and the team's ninth consecutive bowl win. The 6-5, 230-pound Lindsey had 2,382 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only six interceptions on 389 attempts. He did not throw an interception in his final five games and fired seven touchdown passes in the final three, including the game winner in overtime at the Rate Bowl. Lindsey struggled with accuracy at times but showed improvement down the stretch. He will have several of his top receivers back as Minnesota tries to build its passing game.
Competition: Max Shikenjanski was the only Minnesota quarterback other than Lindsey to complete multiple passes this season, and he returns with two years of eligibility. The team picked up Liberty transfer Michael Merdinger, who had 350 passing yards on 41 attempts in 2025. Minnesota lost Jackson Kollock, the quarterback from its 2025 class, to the portal, but added two three-star recruits for 2026 in Brady Palmer and Owen Lansu.
Predicting starting QBs for every Power 4 college football team in 2026
We're nine months from the 2026 season starting, but we're looking at every power team's QB situation.
Go Gophers!!
