- Head Coach: P.J. Fleck (ninth season)
- 2024 Record: 8-5 (won Duke’s Mayo Bowl)
- Strength of Schedule: 29th
- PFF Projected Win Total: 6.8
- FanDuel Win Total: 6.5
2024 Recap
Minnesota bounced back from a 6-7 finish in 2023 with an 8-5 record last season, the fourth time in the past six years that head coach P.J. Fleck has led the Golden Gophers to at least eight wins. That level of sustained success hasn’t been seen at Minnesota since 1900–05.
The defense was the driving force behind last year’s turnaround, ranking 11th nationally in EPA allowed per play. Rising sophomore safety Koi Perich is a budding star who should help maintain that standard, but the real strength of the 2025 team could be its backfield. The one-two punch of Darius Taylor and A.J. Turner has the potential to carry the offense, assuming the rest of the unit can hold up its end.
Biggest Strength: Fantastic running back room
Minnesota enters 2025 with a top-10 running back unit, led by the return of Darius Taylor and the addition of Marshall transfer A.J. Turner. Taylor ranks as the No. 7 running back in college football, while Turner brings explosive efficiency after leading the nation in yards per carry (8.3) last season.
Biggest Weakness: Is there enough to support it?
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