Minnesota Golden Gophers Football

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, representing the University of Minnesota, competes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Founded in 1882, they have a rich history and are proud members of the Big Ten Conference since its inception in 1896 (originally known as the Western Conference).

The team has a distinguished history, claiming seven national championships and securing numerous conference titles. They call the Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis their home ground. The Gophers have passionate fans who eagerly participate in rivalries with teams such as Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Penn State, and Nebraska. Over the years, they have produced many Consensus All-Americans, cementing their legacy in college football.

Minnesota Golden Gophers History

The history of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team is a tale of ups and downs, marked by significant achievements and occasional challenges. The team's journey dates back to its inception in 1882, with its first victory over Hamline University in the same year. The Gophers have been an integral part of the Big Ten Conference since 1896, playing a pivotal role in college football.

In its early years, the sport at the University of Minnesota had humble beginnings, with students initially playing recreationally. It was only a short time before a formal team was established, with the help of faculty members who had played football at eastern schools. The Gophers had multiple coaches during this period, reflecting the sport's evolving nature. In 1900, the hiring of Dr. Henry L. Williams as the first full-time salaried coach marked a turning point, bringing stability and structure to the team.

The Gophers reached their glory years in the early 20th century under the guidance of Coach Henry L. Williams, who developed the innovative "Minnesota shift." They enjoyed an impressive unbeaten streak and won three consecutive National Championships from 1934 to 1936. The team, led by Bruce Smith, secured additional national championships in 1940 and 1941, including Smith winning the Heisman Trophy in 1941. This period featured an 18-game winning streak.

Despite some challenging seasons in the late 1940s and 1950s, the Gophers returned to the national stage in 1960 by winning their seventh national championship. They also claimed their first Rose Bowl victory despite a second-place conference finish. Minnesota last secured a Big Ten title in 1967.

In recent history, the Gophers have had moments of resurgence. Notable seasons in 1999 and 2003 marked their return to prominence, and they moved to their new home at TCF Bank Stadium in 2009. The team faced challenges in 2006, resulting in a coaching change. Subsequent years saw shifts in leadership, with the Gophers making bowl game appearances.

In 2019, the Gophers turned heads with a historic 11-2 season, including a victory over a top-ranked Penn State team and their first 9-0 start since 1904. This recent success continues to build on the rich legacy of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program, cementing their place in college football history.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Coach

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football program has been led by various head coaches throughout its history. One of the notable head coaches in recent years is P. J. Fleck, who has been at the team's helm since 2017. Under his leadership, the team has seen improved performance and a strong presence in the Big Ten Conference. Fleck is known for his motivational and energetic coaching style, often called "Row the Boat," emphasizing teamwork and perseverance.

Here is a table listing the head coaches in the history of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program:

Minnesota Golden Gophers Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium

Huntington Bank Stadium serves as the home turf for the Minnesota Golden Gophers college football team, situated at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. This 52,525-seat stadium features a distinctive "horseshoe" design and was constructed for $303.3 million. Notably, its design allows for potential expansion, with the capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators in the future.

The stadium played a unique role when it temporarily hosted the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League during the 2014 and 2015 seasons while the U.S. Bank Stadium was under construction. Huntington Bank Stadium stands as a key venue for college football in Minnesota, offering a spirited and dynamic atmosphere for both players and fans.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Rivals

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have a set of fierce rivalries with other college football teams, each marked by its own unique traditions and historical significance.

One of the most notable rivalries is with Wisconsin, which is one of the oldest and most-played in college football. The matchup winner is awarded Paul Bunyan's Axe, a cherished tradition that has endured since 1948. This rivalry has seen periods of dominance by both teams, with Wisconsin breaking new ground with a 14-game win streak. As of the 2022 season, the series is tied at 62–62–8.

Another intense rivalry is with Iowa, and the prize at stake is the Floyd of Rosedale, a 98 lb bronze pig trophy. The tradition of this unique rivalry began in 1935 when the governors of both states bet prize hogs to de-escalate tensions between the teams and their fans. Minnesota leads the series with a record of 62–51–2, underscoring the competitive spirit of their contests.

The Michigan–Minnesota rivalry holds a special place in college football history as the first and oldest trophy game. The game's victor is awarded the Little Brown Jug, a five-gallon earthenware jug with a fascinating backstory. Michigan leads the series with a record of 77–25–3, adding to the competitive edge of this long-standing rivalry.

Penn State is another rival of the Golden Gophers, and their annual clash for the Governor's Victory Bell adds to the excitement. Introduced in 1993 to mark Penn State's entry into the Big Ten Conference, this rivalry has historical significance. Penn State leads the series with a 10–6 record as of the last game played in 2022.

The rivalry with Nebraska features the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy, an unofficial but lighthearted symbol of their matchup. Created by fans during playful exchanges on social media, this trophy has added a unique flavor to their annual contest. Minnesota leads the series with a record of 37–25–2, making it a fiercely contested rivalry.

These rivalries not only bring out the best in the teams but also contribute to the rich tapestry of college football traditions, with unique trophies and passionate fan bases eagerly awaiting these annual showdowns.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Record and stats

Championship Conferences

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have a storied history in college football, with notable achievements in championship conferences. Over the years, they have claimed national titles in 1904, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, and 1960. These championships reflect their consistent competitiveness and contributions to the sport's legacy.

Division Championships

In addition to their national success, the Gophers have excelled within their divisions. Notably, they secured a division championship in 2019, showcasing their ability to navigate and triumph in the competitive landscape of college football.

Conference Championship Game Appearances

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have made significant appearances in conference championship games, competing at the highest level of collegiate football. These appearances highlight their commitment to excellence and their pursuit of conference titles.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Roster

Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule