With basketball and hockey now in the rearview mirror, and the Gopher football team wrapping up its spring practices and spring game, it's time to turn our attention to the 2026 season. While we'll have to navigate the quieter months of non-revenue college sports before August arrives, we can start piecing together an early look at what the Gopher offense might look like next fall.
There's plenty of reason for optimism in Minneapolis. The Gophers rank seventh nationally in returning production, and with a familiar core supplemented by a few key transfer additions, this team has the potential to build on a solid 2025 campaign. However, it's worth noting that the offense ranked 94th nationally in SP+ and 12th in the Big Ten last season—so while many starters are back, improvement is essential if Minnesota wants to take that next step.
Quarterback
Starter: Drake Lindsey
Depth: Max Shikenjanski, Michael Merdinger (Liberty transfer), Dylan Wittke
Freshmen: Owen Lansu, Brady Palmer
The most important position on the field appears locked in for the Gophers. Assuming good health, Drake Lindsey will lead the offense, making the starter projection an easy one. The question is who steps in if he's sidelined—and that's where things get a bit murkier.
Shikenjanski and Wittke both saw limited action in last season's blowout win over Northwestern State. While Shikenjanski was presumed to be the first option off the bench, Michael Merdinger enters the mix as a Liberty transfer and should compete for the primary backup role. Ideally, the Gophers won't need to test that depth, but having options is never a bad thing.
As for the true freshmen, Lansu and Palmer are unlikely to make an immediate impact in 2026. However, Lansu turned heads in the spring game, completing 5 of 7 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown—impressive for a player who should have been at his senior prom. Palmer, on the other hand, struggled with three interceptions. But as always, a spring game performance doesn't define a career, and both freshmen have time to develop.
Running Back
Starter: Darius Taylor
Depth: AJ T
Darius Taylor returns as the clear leader in the backfield after a standout 2025 season. His combination of vision, power, and explosiveness makes him the centerpiece of the Gopher run game. Behind him, AJ T provides capable depth, ensuring the offense doesn't miss a beat when Taylor needs a breather. Keep an eye on how the rotation shapes up during fall camp—Minnesota has historically leaned on a committee approach, but Taylor's talent might change that philosophy.