The Minnesota Golden Gophers wrapped up their final open practice of fall camp, giving fans and media one last opportunity to evaluate the roster before the season opener against Buffalo on August 28. While head coach P.J. Fleck avoids releasing official depth charts, the performances throughout camp offer a strong indication of who will see the field.
Quarterbacks and Running Backs: Stability at the Core
The quarterback situation looks settled: Drake Lindsey has held firm as the team’s starter since spring ball, consistently demonstrating command of the offense. Behind him, transfer Emmett Moorehead provides valuable experience and is likely the first option if Lindsey is unavailable. Younger players such as Max Shikenjanski and Dylan Wittke remain developmental depth pieces for now.
At running back, Darius Taylor returns as the feature back, expected to shoulder the majority of carries once again. His physical style and consistency make him the foundation of the ground game. Vanderbilt transfer A.J. Turner will serve as a complementary option, offering change-of-pace opportunities. Former Washington back Cam Davis adds further depth as a steady third option, while freshman Fame Ijeboi impressed enough in camp to earn potential touches early. The unit combines proven playmakers with promising new contributors, giving Minnesota a balanced attack.
Receivers and Tight Ends: A Rebuilt Passing Game
The receiving corps may be the most intriguing position group on the roster. Transfers have reshaped the unit, with Javon Tracy leading on the outside, veteran Le’Meke Brockington on the other side, and UCLA transfer Logan Loya locking down the slot. Behind them, Jalen Smith’s strong camp should earn him snaps, while freshman Koi Perich could see opportunities despite focusing on safety. Malachi Coleman offers red-zone size, Kenric Lanier II adds depth while Cristian Driver’s role remains uncertain after missing late practices.
Tight end appears more stable. Veteran Jameson Geers enters 2025 as a potential breakout player, providing both reliable blocking and underrated receiving skills. Transfers and role players like Drew Biber and Frank Bierman add depth, with Bierman also offering versatility as a fullback option. Meanwhile, freshman Pierce Walsh is an additional piece for the future. Together, these groups provide Lindsey with a more versatile passing arsenal than in recent years.
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Offensive and Defensive Lines: Strengths and Concerns
On offense, the line looks mostly settled, with only left tackle still undecided. Transfer Kahlee Tafai and freshman Nathan Roy are competing for that job, while the battle could extend into the season. Elsewhere, returning starter Greg Johnson anchors left guard, Ashton Beers handles center duties and transfers Marcellus Marshall and Dylan Ray solidify the right side. Backups Tony Nelson and Jaden Ball provide quality depth, making this one of Minnesota’s more dependable units.
Defensively, the line is top-heavy with talent but thin in depth. Edge rushers Anthony Smith and LSU transfer Jaxon Howard form a strong duo, while interior linemen Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding bring veteran presence. However, injuries to transfer Mo Omonode and others have left the group vulnerable. Rushawn Lawrence steps in as the third defensive tackle, and redshirt freshmen like Riley Sunram may need to contribute sooner than expected. Lucas Finnessy and transfer Steven Curtis round out the rotation on the edge, though both are still developing into their roles.
Linebackers and Secondary: Emerging Leaders and Established Stars
With Cody Lindenberg now in the NFL, the linebacker group faces change but has intriguing potential. Maverick Baranowski is expected to step forward as a leader, while veteran Devon Williams adds stability. Competition remains strong behind them, with transfer Jeff Roberson, true freshman Emmanuel Karmo and Matt Kingsbury all pushing for meaningful snaps. Joey Gerlach provides depth in a group that could evolve throughout the season under new linebackers coach Mariano Sorri-Marin.
The secondary, on the other hand, projects as one of the team’s strengths. At cornerback, veteran Za’Quan Bryan is set at one outside spot, while transfer John Nestor leads the competition for the other. Mike Gerald and transfer Jaylen Bowden will also see time, with freshmen Naiim Parrish and Rhyland Kelly developing behind them. In nickel packages, Darius Green and Jai’Onte McMillan are expected to be contributors once healthy from minor camp injuries.
Safety may be the most stable and talented position on the roster. Freshman standout Koi Perich and veteran Kerry Brown form a duo considered among the best in the Big Ten. Their combination of athleticism and football IQ provides stability on the back end. Depth comes from Aidan Gousby, who will also contribute in rotational packages.
Special Teams and Overall Outlook
Special teams enter a transition period after the departures of longtime contributors Dragan Kesich and Mark Crawford. Transfer Brady Denaburg has secured the kicking role, while the punting competition between Brody Richter and Tom Weston remains close. Alan Sokup returns as long snapper, with Jake Lutz as his backup. Though uncertainty remains, the unit has the potential to stabilize with more game experience.
As the season approaches, Minnesota looks like a balanced team with stability at quarterback, a deep running back group and a rebuilt receiving corps. The offensive line should provide consistency, while the defensive front will need depth to emerge behind its top starters. The linebacker unit has new faces ready to step up and the secondary projects as a major strength with NFL-level talent at safety.
While challenges remain, particularly with injuries and roster fluidity, the Gophers appear positioned to compete in the Big Ten with a roster blending veteran leadership, transfer additions and emerging young talent.