Five upcoming Gophers men’s hockey players have already been selected during the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Entry Draft. 

During the NHL Entry Draft, players are drafted by an NHL team, but they do not always immediately join the team after being drafted. In some cases, the players go back to their junior team, college or European league. 

This allows players to have the opportunity to continue developing their skills and playing style before joining the pros. While these five players were already drafted, they will still be seen playing at Mariucci Arena for the 2025-2026 season. 

The first of the future Gophers selected was Jacob Rombach. He was drafted 35th overall by the Nashville Predators. 

Rombach played two full seasons in the United States Hockey League. He appeared in 116 games over two years and ranked third on his team in total points with 18 last season. 

Rombach also helped Team USA win gold at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge. In high school, Rombach played for Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids, where he finished with 19 points in 26 games as a sophomore. 

During the third round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, two more future Gophers were called. Mace’o Phillips went 80th by the Calgary Flames, and Mason Moe went 90th to join the New Jersey Devils. 

Phillips played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for two years. He played in 60 games with the U18s last season, where he scored six points. 

Phillips’ physical playing style led to him leading his team in penalty minutes both years he played for USNTDP. Phillips also helped Team USA win bronze at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 World Championships. 

Prior to the IIHF World Championships, Phillips helped Team USA win gold in the 2024 U17 Five Nations Tournament. Phillips played prep hockey at Benilde-St. Margaret’s where he had 21 points in 27 games, his sophomore year. 

Moe played parts of two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede USHL. 

Moe totaled 63 games, scoring 17 goals and recording 26 assists for a total of 43 points during the 2024-2025 season. His strengths are seen offensively during power plays, where Moe was able to score 12 power-play points. 

Moe joined Rombach in helping Team USA win gold in the 2024 World Junior A Challenge. In high school, he played at Eden Prairie High School and led the team in scoring his sophomore year with 40 points in 27 games. 

The final two Gophers drafted were LJ Mooney in the fourth round, going 113th to the Montreal Canadiens and Jacob Kvasnicka in the seventh round, going 202nd to the New York Islanders. 

Much like Phillips, Mooney spent two years at the USNTDP and appeared in 112 games. During the 2024-2025 season, he made a total of 51 points in 51 games for the U18 team. 

He ranked fifth in scoring and finishing with several multi-point performances. Mooney also helped Team USA win bronze in the 2025 IIHF World Championships and gold in the 2024 U17 Five Nations Tournament.

Before joining the USNTDP, Mooney developed his skills through the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite AAA program from 2020 to 2023. 

Kvasnicka was also a part of the USNTDP from 2023 to 2025. 

He had a total of 39 points in 66 games, made up of 18 goals and 21 assists. He ranked sixth in his team in scoring and even scored five points in one game against Czechia. 

Kvasnicka helped represent Team USA in the IIHF 2025 World Championship and scored five points in seven games. 

He played for Wayzata High School and, as a freshman, had a total of 45 points in 28 games. He helped his team reach the Section 6AA title game. 

These five Gophers will be seen on the ice at the start of the 2025-2026 season on October 3 and 4.

The Gophers dance team prepares for the upcoming school year and competitive season. 

During the 2024-2025 season, the Gophers dance team brought back both gold and silver medals during the International Cheer Union World Championships. Additionally, the team achieved success, winning two titles during the UCA and UDA Championships. 

The work ethic of the Gophers dance team shows that this type of success does not happen without rigorous training and dedication from both the team and coaches. They practice consistently throughout the school year and even during the summer. 

This past season did not end for the Gophers until late April due to their participation in the ICU World Championships. They then started up workouts in June. 

The June workouts center around each dancer’s skills and preparing for the upcoming season. They are more personalized based on what each dancer needs. 

The team also works out in groups during June, which allows teammates to reconnect and bond with each other before the official start in July. During July and August, the team fully reconnects and works on a variety of different things for the next season and game days. 

For the Gophers game days, the dance team likes to do a variety of routines to keep the audience engaged. Gophers sophomore Maddy Vercelli said the dances they perform are also a form of practice. 

“We do very much use our game day as preparation for what we do in January and nationals,” Vercelli said. “Our team is really big on: Everything we do, we do for a purpose.” 

During the regular school season, the Gophers dance team practices around three times a week in the fall. They meet Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as on Friday. 

Gophers junior Alexa Anderson said that a lot of the time, what they do during practice varies depending on what they need to work on. 

“We will split our time doing game day, working on our nationals routine, and working on technique,” Anderson said. “It really depends on what our practice plan looks like and what point of the season we are at.” 

She added that the team arrives at practice 30 minutes early to go over some things from their previous practice and ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared. 

Their Friday practice tends to focus mainly on game day preparation, however, it still includes a lot of different aspects. Gophers junior Maggie Fandel said while they may be focusing on game day preparation, they are still practicing other routines. 

“We get our choreography done, we are prepping our Endzones which are different for every game, while also continuing to work on our traditional game day prep,” Fandel said.

She added that part of their practice and technique is ballet. 

Anderson, Fandel and Vercelli have been with Minnesota for over a year and have multiple reasons for loving their time with the Gophers. 

Anderson said that one of her favorite things is the people on the team.

“The people really make the team, especially for our team,” Anderson said. “I have never met such hard-working, dedicated, loving people before.”

The Gophers dance team prepares for the upcoming school year and competitive season. 

During the 2024-2025 season, the Gophers dance team brought back both gold and silver medals during the International Cheer Union World Championships. Additionally, the team achieved success, winning two titles during the UCA and UDA Championships. 

The work ethic of the Gophers dance team shows that this type of success does not happen without rigorous training and dedication from both the team and coaches. They practice consistently throughout the school year and even during the summer. 

This past season did not end for the Gophers until late April due to their participation in the ICU World Championships. They then started up workouts in June. 

The June workouts center around each dancer’s skills and preparing for the upcoming season. They are more personalized based on what each dancer needs. 

The team also works out in groups during June, which allows teammates to reconnect and bond with each other before the official start in July. During July and August, the team fully reconnects and works on a variety of different things for the next season and game days. 

For the Gophers game days, the dance team likes to do a variety of routines to keep the audience engaged. Gophers sophomore Maddy Vercelli said the dances they perform are also a form of practice. 

“We do very much use our game day as preparation for what we do in January and nationals,” Vercelli said. “Our team is really big on: Everything we do, we do for a purpose.” 

During the regular school season, the Gophers dance team practices around three times a week in the fall. They meet Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as on Friday. 

Gophers junior Alexa Anderson said that a lot of the time, what they do during practice varies depending on what they need to work on. 

“We will split our time doing game day, working on our nationals routine, and working on technique,” Anderson said. “It really depends on what our practice plan looks like and what point of the season we are at.” 

She added that the team arrives at practice 30 minutes early to go over some things from their previous practice and ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared. 

Their Friday practice tends to focus mainly on game day preparation, however, it still includes a lot of different aspects. Gophers junior Maggie Fandel said while they may be focusing on game day preparation, they are still practicing other routines. 

“We get our choreography done, we are prepping our Endzones which are different for every game, while also continuing to work on our traditional game day prep,” Fandel said.

She added that part of their practice and technique is ballet. 

Anderson, Fandel and Vercelli have been with Minnesota for over a year and have multiple reasons for loving their time with the Gophers. 

Anderson said that one of her favorite things is the people on the team.

“The people really make the team, especially for our team,” Anderson said. “I have never met such hard-working, dedicated, loving people before.”

Captain Moses Cooper and Angel Mark Hulsey qualified for the Boston Marathon. 

Cooper and Hulsey are racing with myTeam Triumph Minnesota, an organization that allows children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities to lead a team and experience endurance races. 

Cooper’s role as Captain means he is the one being pushed while Hulsey is the Angel, pushing Cooper. The two of them had a goal to make a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. 

On June 21, during Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, the pair did exactly that. Now, they have the time they need to apply for the Boston Marathon. 

Hulsey said there is a chance that they aren’t chosen to race, however, that chance is low. 

“Having run Boston in the past and knowing what their process and procedures are, I feel pretty good about us getting in,” Hulsey said. 

If they do get picked to run in the Boston Marathon, Hulsey hopes that he will be able to bring a new and exciting opportunity to Cooper and his family. 

“Goal number one is giving Moses and his family the opportunity to experience something like Boston,” Hulsey said. 

Another goal for Hulsey is to bring recognition to myTeam Triumph Minnesota. He said that the organization has never had a pair go to a marathon major. 

Marathon majors in the U.S comprise the New York, Boston, and Chicago marathons. 

Hulsey said that some other organizations are very involved in marathon majors, and he hopes that myTeam Triumph will be as well. 

“Making sure we are getting the attention to Minnesota Team Triumph and those other Team Triumph groups,” Hulsey said. “Getting people excited within that organization to see that they are represented in a marathon major.” 

During the major marathons, they tend to split people up in groups depending on their times. This is so some of the faster runners don’t have to worry about weaving through other people. 

Boston allows 20,000 runners every year, and splitting people into different groups leads to more organization. Hulsey said that wheelchair and adaptive runners are the first and second groups to start the race. 

This means that if Cooper and Hulsey make it to the Boston Marathon, they will be the second group to start the race and will be surrounded by other adaptive runners. 

Hulsey said that if they aren’t picked to run Boston this year, he is still willing to try for another major. 

“It is really going to be up to Moses and his mom,” Hulsey said. “I am just here to bring them the opportunity.”

Hulsey hopes that his and Cooper’s involvement in the Boston Marathon will leave an impact on the other runners. He said that seeing adaptive runners during his past races is what inspired him to do what he does now. 

“It’s really the participation that I want to see people jump into,” Hulsey said. 

Husley hopes to be that person for others now.

The Minnesota Gophers are set to play 12 teams during the regular 2025 season. 

After losing starting quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL, the Gophers will most likely be starting redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. Lindsey played in only three games last year, all of which the Gophers had strong leads in. 

This upcoming year will show how Lindsey fares in close, under-pressure games. Out of the Gophers’ 12 games, seven of them will be played on home turf at Huntington Bank Stadium. 

Here is what’s in store for the Gophers: 

Week 1: Aug 28 vs. Buffalo 

Week 2: Sep 6 vs. Northwestern State 

Week 3: Sep 13 at Cal 

Week 4: BYE 

Week 5: Sep 27 vs. Rutgers (Start of conference games)

Week 6: Oct 4 at Ohio State 

Week 7: Oct 11 vs. Purdue (Homecoming)

Week 8: Oct 17 vs. Nebraska 

Week 9: Oct 25 at. Iowa 

Week 10: Nov 1 vs. Michigan State 

Week 11: BYE 

Week 12: Nov 14 at Oregon 

Week 13: Nov 22 at Northwestern 

Week 14: Nov 29 vs. Wisconsin (Axe Game) 

There is a strong chance that with this schedule, the Gophers’ best case would be going 10-2, but there is a chance the Gophers could finish the year 9-3. Some of the biggest toss-up games are Iowa and Wisconsin, both schools with which Minnesota has some deep history. 

Aside from the fact that the Badgers are the Gophers’ biggest rivals, their past Axe games have been close as well. The Gophers and Badgers are tied at 63-63 all-time. 

In 2024, Minnesota brought the Axe back home after losing it in 2023. While the Gophers dominated the Badgers last year, many wonder the ways in which Wisconsin might have improved in the offseason. 

One of the main talking points is their defense. Last year, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses was their defense, leading the Badgers to lose 24-7 during last year’s Axe game. However, if Wisconsin can improve their defense for the 2025 season, then the Axe game will be much closer than last year. 

Final prediction for the game is Minnesota wins 34-31. 

The other big toss-up game is against Iowa, another Minnesota rival. Some of the Gophers’ toughest games will be away games like Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. 

Since 1891, the Gophers have beaten the Hawkeyes 63 times, while losing 53 times. The Gophers lost last year at home against Iowa 31-14. However, in the 2023 season, the Gophers took home the bronze pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2014. 

This game will be when the work for Lindsey and new defensive coordinator Danny Collins needs to shine through. Without a doubt, this will be an intense game for the Gophers, as it often is. 

This game will test the strength of Lindsey as well as the strength of our defense. Despite it being a close game and a strong chance that Minnesota could bring back the pig, the final prediction is Iowa wins 21-17. 

Some games that will most likely end in a loss for the Gophers are Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have both strong offense and defensive players.

They were two of the strongest teams in the Big Ten last season, with Oregon’s record overall being 13-1, their only loss against Ohio State during the Rose Bowl. While Ohio State’s record was 14-2, with their only losses being against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season, before they won the National Championship.

Since 1921, the Gophers have beaten the Buckeyes seven times, while losing 48. The last time the Gophers beat Ohio State was 25 years ago. 

The Buckeyes’ strong defense is something that the Gophers have yet to be able to crack, and will lead the final prediction to be Ohio State winning 31-3. 

As for Oregon, their history with Minnesota is limited. 

The last time the Ducks and the Gophers faced off was in 2003, where the Gophers won 31-30. Both programs have grown dramatically in recent years. 

With the combination of it being a home game and their strong performance from last season, the final prediction will be Oregon wins 38-24. 

The overall final prediction for the Gophers 2025 regular season are wins against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Cal, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. 

Finishing the season with a 9-3 record and a bowl game.

The Minnesota Gophers are set to play 12 teams during the regular 2025 season. 

After losing starting quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL, the Gophers will most likely be starting redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. Lindsey played in only three games last year, all of which the Gophers had strong leads in. 

This upcoming year will show how Lindsey fares in close, under-pressure games. Out of the Gophers’ 12 games, seven of them will be played on home turf at Huntington Bank Stadium. 

Here is what’s in store for the Gophers: 

Week 1: Aug 28 vs. Buffalo 

Week 2: Sep 6 vs. Northwestern State 

Week 3: Sep 13 at Cal 

Week 4: BYE 

Week 5: Sep 27 vs. Rutgers (Start of conference games)

Week 6: Oct 4 at Ohio State 

Week 7: Oct 11 vs. Purdue (Homecoming)

Week 8: Oct 17 vs. Nebraska 

Week 9: Oct 25 at. Iowa 

Week 10: Nov 1 vs. Michigan State 

Week 11: BYE 

Week 12: Nov 14 at Oregon 

Week 13: Nov 22 at Northwestern 

Week 14: Nov 29 vs. Wisconsin (Axe Game) 

There is a strong chance that with this schedule, the Gophers’ best case would be going 10-2, but there is a chance the Gophers could finish the year 9-3. Some of the biggest toss-up games are Iowa and Wisconsin, both schools with which Minnesota has some deep history. 

Aside from the fact that the Badgers are the Gophers’ biggest rivals, their past Axe games have been close as well. The Gophers and Badgers are tied at 63-63 all-time. 

In 2024, Minnesota brought the Axe back home after losing it in 2023. While the Gophers dominated the Badgers last year, many wonder the ways in which Wisconsin might have improved in the offseason. 

One of the main talking points is their defense. Last year, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses was their defense, leading the Badgers to lose 24-7 during last year’s Axe game. However, if Wisconsin can improve their defense for the 2025 season, then the Axe game will be much closer than last year. 

Final prediction for the game is Minnesota wins 34-31. 

The other big toss-up game is against Iowa, another Minnesota rival. Some of the Gophers’ toughest games will be away games like Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. 

Since 1891, the Gophers have beaten the Hawkeyes 63 times, while losing 53 times. The Gophers lost last year at home against Iowa 31-14. However, in the 2023 season, the Gophers took home the bronze pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2014. 

This game will be when the work for Lindsey and new defensive coordinator Danny Collins needs to shine through. Without a doubt, this will be an intense game for the Gophers, as it often is. 

This game will test the strength of Lindsey as well as the strength of our defense. Despite it being a close game and a strong chance that Minnesota could bring back the pig, the final prediction is Iowa wins 21-17. 

Some games that will most likely end in a loss for the Gophers are Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have both strong offense and defensive players.

They were two of the strongest teams in the Big Ten last season, with Oregon’s record overall being 13-1, their only loss against Ohio State during the Rose Bowl. While Ohio State’s record was 14-2, with their only losses being against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season, before they won the National Championship.

Since 1921, the Gophers have beaten the Buckeyes seven times, while losing 48. The last time the Gophers beat Ohio State was 25 years ago. 

The Buckeyes’ strong defense is something that the Gophers have yet to be able to crack, and will lead the final prediction to be Ohio State winning 31-3. 

As for Oregon, their history with Minnesota is limited. 

The last time the Ducks and the Gophers faced off was in 2003, where the Gophers won 31-30. Both programs have grown dramatically in recent years. 

With the combination of it being a home game and their strong performance from last season, the final prediction will be Oregon wins 38-24. 

The overall final prediction for the Gophers 2025 regular season are wins against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Cal, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. 

Finishing the season with a 9-3 record and a bowl game.

The Minnesota Gophers are set to play 12 teams during the regular 2025 season. 

After losing starting quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL, the Gophers will most likely be starting redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. Lindsey played in only three games last year, all of which the Gophers had strong leads in. 

This upcoming year will show how Lindsey fares in close, under-pressure games. Out of the Gophers’ 12 games, seven of them will be played on home turf at Huntington Bank Stadium. 

Here is what’s in store for the Gophers: 

Week 1: Aug 28 vs. Buffalo 

Week 2: Sep 6 vs. Northwestern State 

Week 3: Sep 13 at Cal 

Week 4: BYE 

Week 5: Sep 27 vs. Rutgers (Start of conference games)

Week 6: Oct 4 at Ohio State 

Week 7: Oct 11 vs. Purdue (Homecoming)

Week 8: Oct 17 vs. Nebraska 

Week 9: Oct 25 at. Iowa 

Week 10: Nov 1 vs. Michigan State 

Week 11: BYE 

Week 12: Nov 14 at Oregon 

Week 13: Nov 22 at Northwestern 

Week 14: Nov 29 vs. Wisconsin (Axe Game) 

There is a strong chance that with this schedule, the Gophers’ best case would be going 10-2, but there is a chance the Gophers could finish the year 9-3. Some of the biggest toss-up games are Iowa and Wisconsin, both schools with which Minnesota has some deep history. 

Aside from the fact that the Badgers are the Gophers’ biggest rivals, their past Axe games have been close as well. The Gophers and Badgers are tied at 63-63 all-time. 

In 2024, Minnesota brought the Axe back home after losing it in 2023. While the Gophers dominated the Badgers last year, many wonder the ways in which Wisconsin might have improved in the offseason. 

One of the main talking points is their defense. Last year, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses was their defense, leading the Badgers to lose 24-7 during last year’s Axe game. However, if Wisconsin can improve their defense for the 2025 season, then the Axe game will be much closer than last year. 

Final prediction for the game is Minnesota wins 34-31. 

The other big toss-up game is against Iowa, another Minnesota rival. Some of the Gophers’ toughest games will be away games like Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. 

Since 1891, the Gophers have beaten the Hawkeyes 63 times, while losing 53 times. The Gophers lost last year at home against Iowa 31-14. However, in the 2023 season, the Gophers took home the bronze pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2014. 

This game will be when the work for Lindsey and new defensive coordinator Danny Collins needs to shine through. Without a doubt, this will be an intense game for the Gophers, as it often is. 

This game will test the strength of Lindsey as well as the strength of our defense. Despite it being a close game and a strong chance that Minnesota could bring back the pig, the final prediction is Iowa wins 21-17. 

Some games that will most likely end in a loss for the Gophers are Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have both strong offense and defensive players.

They were two of the strongest teams in the Big Ten last season, with Oregon’s record overall being 13-1, their only loss against Ohio State during the Rose Bowl. While Ohio State’s record was 14-2, with their only losses being against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season, before they won the National Championship.

Since 1921, the Gophers have beaten the Buckeyes seven times, while losing 48. The last time the Gophers beat Ohio State was 25 years ago. 

The Buckeyes’ strong defense is something that the Gophers have yet to be able to crack, and will lead the final prediction to be Ohio State winning 31-3. 

As for Oregon, their history with Minnesota is limited. 

The last time the Ducks and the Gophers faced off was in 2003, where the Gophers won 31-30. Both programs have grown dramatically in recent years. 

With the combination of it being a home game and their strong performance from last season, the final prediction will be Oregon wins 38-24. 

The overall final prediction for the Gophers 2025 regular season are wins against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Cal, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. 

Finishing the season with a 9-3 record and a bowl game.

The Minnesota Gophers are set to play 12 teams during the regular 2025 season. 

After losing starting quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL, the Gophers will most likely be starting redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. Lindsey played in only three games last year, all of which the Gophers had strong leads in. 

This upcoming year will show how Lindsey fares in close, under-pressure games. Out of the Gophers’ 12 games, seven of them will be played on home turf at Huntington Bank Stadium. 

Here is what’s in store for the Gophers: 

Week 1: Aug 28 vs. Buffalo 

Week 2: Sep 6 vs. Northwestern State 

Week 3: Sep 13 at Cal 

Week 4: BYE 

Week 5: Sep 27 vs. Rutgers (Start of conference games)

Week 6: Oct 4 at Ohio State 

Week 7: Oct 11 vs. Purdue (Homecoming)

Week 8: Oct 17 vs. Nebraska 

Week 9: Oct 25 at. Iowa 

Week 10: Nov 1 vs. Michigan State 

Week 11: BYE 

Week 12: Nov 14 at Oregon 

Week 13: Nov 22 at Northwestern 

Week 14: Nov 29 vs. Wisconsin (Axe Game) 

There is a strong chance that with this schedule, the Gophers’ best case would be going 10-2, but there is a chance the Gophers could finish the year 9-3. Some of the biggest toss-up games are Iowa and Wisconsin, both schools with which Minnesota has some deep history. 

Aside from the fact that the Badgers are the Gophers’ biggest rivals, their past Axe games have been close as well. The Gophers and Badgers are tied at 63-63 all-time. 

In 2024, Minnesota brought the Axe back home after losing it in 2023. While the Gophers dominated the Badgers last year, many wonder the ways in which Wisconsin might have improved in the offseason. 

One of the main talking points is their defense. Last year, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses was their defense, leading the Badgers to lose 24-7 during last year’s Axe game. However, if Wisconsin can improve their defense for the 2025 season, then the Axe game will be much closer than last year. 

Final prediction for the game is Minnesota wins 34-31. 

The other big toss-up game is against Iowa, another Minnesota rival. Some of the Gophers’ toughest games will be away games like Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. 

Since 1891, the Gophers have beaten the Hawkeyes 63 times, while losing 53 times. The Gophers lost last year at home against Iowa 31-14. However, in the 2023 season, the Gophers took home the bronze pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2014. 

This game will be when the work for Lindsey and new defensive coordinator Danny Collins needs to shine through. Without a doubt, this will be an intense game for the Gophers, as it often is. 

This game will test the strength of Lindsey as well as the strength of our defense. Despite it being a close game and a strong chance that Minnesota could bring back the pig, the final prediction is Iowa wins 21-17. 

Some games that will most likely end in a loss for the Gophers are Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have both strong offense and defensive players.

They were two of the strongest teams in the Big Ten last season, with Oregon’s record overall being 13-1, their only loss against Ohio State during the Rose Bowl. While Ohio State’s record was 14-2, with their only losses being against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season, before they won the National Championship.

Since 1921, the Gophers have beaten the Buckeyes seven times, while losing 48. The last time the Gophers beat Ohio State was 25 years ago. 

The Buckeyes’ strong defense is something that the Gophers have yet to be able to crack, and will lead the final prediction to be Ohio State winning 31-3. 

As for Oregon, their history with Minnesota is limited. 

The last time the Ducks and the Gophers faced off was in 2003, where the Gophers won 31-30. Both programs have grown dramatically in recent years. 

With the combination of it being a home game and their strong performance from last season, the final prediction will be Oregon wins 38-24. 

The overall final prediction for the Gophers 2025 regular season are wins against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Cal, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. 

Finishing the season with a 9-3 record and a bowl game.

The Minnesota Gophers are set to play 12 teams during the regular 2025 season. 

After losing starting quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL, the Gophers will most likely be starting redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. Lindsey played in only three games last year, all of which the Gophers had strong leads in. 

This upcoming year will show how Lindsey fares in close, under-pressure games. Out of the Gophers’ 12 games, seven of them will be played on home turf at Huntington Bank Stadium. 

Here is what’s in store for the Gophers: 

Week 1: Aug 28 vs. Buffalo 

Week 2: Sep 6 vs. Northwestern State 

Week 3: Sep 13 at Cal 

Week 4: BYE 

Week 5: Sep 27 vs. Rutgers (Start of conference games)

Week 6: Oct 4 at Ohio State 

Week 7: Oct 11 vs. Purdue (Homecoming)

Week 8: Oct 17 vs. Nebraska 

Week 9: Oct 25 at. Iowa 

Week 10: Nov 1 vs. Michigan State 

Week 11: BYE 

Week 12: Nov 14 at Oregon 

Week 13: Nov 22 at Northwestern 

Week 14: Nov 29 vs. Wisconsin (Axe Game) 

There is a strong chance that with this schedule, the Gophers’ best case would be going 10-2, but there is a chance the Gophers could finish the year 9-3. Some of the biggest toss-up games are Iowa and Wisconsin, both schools with which Minnesota has some deep history. 

Aside from the fact that the Badgers are the Gophers’ biggest rivals, their past Axe games have been close as well. The Gophers and Badgers are tied at 63-63 all-time. 

In 2024, Minnesota brought the Axe back home after losing it in 2023. While the Gophers dominated the Badgers last year, many wonder the ways in which Wisconsin might have improved in the offseason. 

One of the main talking points is their defense. Last year, one of the team’s biggest weaknesses was their defense, leading the Badgers to lose 24-7 during last year’s Axe game. However, if Wisconsin can improve their defense for the 2025 season, then the Axe game will be much closer than last year. 

Final prediction for the game is Minnesota wins 34-31. 

The other big toss-up game is against Iowa, another Minnesota rival. Some of the Gophers’ toughest games will be away games like Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. 

Since 1891, the Gophers have beaten the Hawkeyes 63 times, while losing 53 times. The Gophers lost last year at home against Iowa 31-14. However, in the 2023 season, the Gophers took home the bronze pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2014. 

This game will be when the work for Lindsey and new defensive coordinator Danny Collins needs to shine through. Without a doubt, this will be an intense game for the Gophers, as it often is. 

This game will test the strength of Lindsey as well as the strength of our defense. Despite it being a close game and a strong chance that Minnesota could bring back the pig, the final prediction is Iowa wins 21-17. 

Some games that will most likely end in a loss for the Gophers are Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have both strong offense and defensive players.

They were two of the strongest teams in the Big Ten last season, with Oregon’s record overall being 13-1, their only loss against Ohio State during the Rose Bowl. While Ohio State’s record was 14-2, with their only losses being against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season, before they won the National Championship.

Since 1921, the Gophers have beaten the Buckeyes seven times, while losing 48. The last time the Gophers beat Ohio State was 25 years ago. 

The Buckeyes’ strong defense is something that the Gophers have yet to be able to crack, and will lead the final prediction to be Ohio State winning 31-3. 

As for Oregon, their history with Minnesota is limited. 

The last time the Ducks and the Gophers faced off was in 2003, where the Gophers won 31-30. Both programs have grown dramatically in recent years. 

With the combination of it being a home game and their strong performance from last season, the final prediction will be Oregon wins 38-24. 

The overall final prediction for the Gophers 2025 regular season are wins against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Cal, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. 

Finishing the season with a 9-3 record and a bowl game.

The Gophers men’s basketball team is going into the new season with almost a completely new roster of players. 

With the exception of Isaac Asuma, Grayson Grove, and Erick Reader, Gophers fans will be seeing a team of new faces on the court for the 2025/2026 basketball season. The newest addition being Cade Tyson. 

On June 2, Tyson announced he would be joining the Gophers after playing at North Carolina and Belmont. 

Tyson played a total of 92 games so far in his career, scoring a total of 993 points with 142 3-point shots and 48.3% from the field. 

Head coach Niko Medved said in a press release that Tyson is a versatile player who will impact the team. 

“He’s a dynamic scorer, a true playmaker and a great rebounder,” Medved said. “Cade is a terrific addition to our program and we can’t wait for him to be a Gopher.” 

Tyson will be playing for the Gophers in his senior year and already feels connected to the team.

“I really get along with my teammates and my coaches,” Tyson said. “I think we have a good understanding and connection with one another, and I feel like that is only going to get better.”

Tyson added that one of the things that drew him to Minnesota was the coaching staff. 

Tyson is not the only senior to join the Gophers for the 2025-2026 season. Langston Reynolds announced his commitment on April 14. 

Reynolds had an impressive three seasons with Northern Colorado before joining Minnesota. In the 2024-2025 season, Reynolds averaged 16 points and 5.6 rebounds. 

Reynolds earned first team All-Big Sky honors and was named Big Sky player of the week three times.   

Medved said in a press release that he is excited to add Reynolds to the team.

“Langston is a physical, athletic guard who plays well in transition, can get downhill and has good rebounding ability,” Medved said. “He also has a great personality, and we’re thrilled to have him in the Maroon and Gold.”   

Another player added to the 2025-2026 roster is Nehemiah Turner. Turner played his freshman year at Central Arkansas. 

He played in all 33 games of the season, and he averaged 8.5 points and 4.2 rebounds. In his last two months playing for Central Arkansas, he averaged 17 points. 

Turner said one of the main reasons he chose Minnesota is because his and Medved’s goals align. 

“I want to go somewhere where I can develop my game and win,” Turner said. “He has put guys in the league and he wins, so it is a no-brainer.” 

Medved shares the same excitement Turner does for him joining the Gophers. 

“Nehemiah is a terrific addition to our program,” Medved said in a press release. “He has size, strength and skill with great finishing ability.”

Medved added that Turner has good paint presence and a high ceiling, along with looking forward to having him be a part of the roster. 

One of the most talked about recruits for the next season is Chansey Willis Jr. Willis played last season at Western Michigan, but also spent time with Henry Ford College and Saginaw Valley State. 

Willis led the Mid-American Conference in scoring with an average of 16.8 points and added 5.8 assists. He ranked fifth in the league for steals per game with 1.7 and an assist-to-turnover rate of 1.8. 

Willis said that one of the reasons he came to Minnesota was that it is far away from home. 

“I wanted to get uncomfortable just to get comfortable,” Willis said.

He added that Medved was also a factor and that he brings a smile and joy. 

“Players need that, you don’t know what we go through outside of basketball,” Willis said. “That’s what I look at all of these coaches, they want what’s best for you.”

Medved also said in a press release that Willis is a great playmaker to have on the team. 

“He is a dynamic scorer who can use his speed to his advantage,” Medved said. In addition, he’s a great two-way player and we’re excited to have him on our team.”