Most Underrated Coach in Each Conference (Big Ten: PJ Fleck)

[BleedGopher]

Per Bundy:​

Big Ten: P.J. Fleck, Minnesota​

Fleck and the Golden Gophers have basically been the face of consistency in the Big Ten. Only three of his nine seasons in Minneapolis have been under .500, and he's won every bowl game he's led Minnesota to (including five straight dating back to 2021). If Fleck could land a true star quarterback and maybe a wide receiver in the portal, he and the Gophers could be positioned to make a real run.

The most underrated college football coach in the SEC, Big Ten and beyond

These coaches don't get enough credit for the level of success they bring and could still achieve.

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Go Gophers!!

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

We're good with Drake at QB. Agree with WR take though. Jalen Smith is poised to have a breakout season imo. If Thompson, Helms, and another portal receiver can show they can ball, the offense will be very good.

 

[Arminius]

Everybody here (I think) appreciates the overall consistency of Gopher football and the excellent caliber of our student-athletes.

I like PJ but I long for the CFP.

With that said, we currently have a "he'll play on Sundays" quarterback, so there's that.

 

[Lifeleadership]

I do believe we have a QB capable of leading us to a CFP. Is it possible in 2027? We will have a really veteran team especially on the defensive side of the ball in 2027. But how will we be in the trenches? Can we show signs of improvement on both the Offensive Line and Defensive Line in 2026 to give us hope? On paper, it appears to be a yes. But can it transfer to the field? I really like our Roster for 2026 and I expect it to continue to get better moving into the next few years. Go Gophers!

 

[GophersInIowa]

I do like that we're consistently at least solid and are sending guys to the NFL. But I don't think it's too much to ask for an occasional bigger season. Like finishing in the Top 25 every 3rd season with a run at the CFP once in awhile or something like that.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

I do believe we have a QB capable of leading us to a CFP. Is it possible in 2027? We will have a really veteran team especially on the defensive side of the ball in 2027. But how will we be in the trenches? Can we show signs of improvement on both the Offensive Line and Defensive Line in 2026 to give us hope? On paper, it appears to be a yes. But can it transfer to the field? I really like our Roster for 2026 and I expect it to continue to get better moving into the next few years. Go Gophers!

The DL looked better later in the season this year. If the right side of the OL can get it together, the line play will be fine.