Minnesota's 2023 season is just over 24 hours away as the Golden Gophers host Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday night. P.J. Fleck's program is coming off a 9-4 season, which included a Pinstripe Bowl victory over the Syracuse Orange.

Below, you can find how to watch and listen to the Golden Gophers season opener, the latest betting lines, and the weather for the game.

When, Where, How to Watch:​

When: 7:00 p.m. CT (8:00 p.m. ET)

Where: Huntington Bank Stadium (50,805)

TV: Televised nationally on Fox. On the call will be Fox's top broadcast team, Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt. They'll be joined by Jenny Taft on the sidelines.

Radio: KFAN | Mike Grimm will be on play-by-play with Darrell Thompson and Justin Gaard, also part of the Gophers' broadcast team.

SiriusXM: 135 or 195; SXM app

Coaching matchup​

Minnesota - P.J. Fleck (7th year at Minnesota ; 11th overall)
Career Record: 74-49
Record at Minnesota: 44-27
Record against Nebraska: 5-1
Career accolades: 2x MAC Coach of the Year (2014, 2016), MAC Champion (2016), Big Ten West champion (2019), Big Ten Coach of the Year (2019)

Nebraska - Matt Rhule (1st year at Nebraska ; 8th overall)
Career Record: 47-43
Record at Nebraska: 0-0
Record against Minnesota: 0-0
Career accolades: Big 12 Coach of the Year (2019), American Conference championship (2016), American East champion (2015, 2016).

Series History:​

This will be the 63-matchup between the two programs all time, with Minnesota holding a 36-2-25 series lead. After Nebraska dominated the series from 1963 - 2012, winning each of the 16 matchups in the time span, the Gophers have had the edge since 2013.

Since 2013, the Gophers have won seven of 10 matchups, with wins in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019-2022. Nebraska defeated the Golden Gophers in 2015, 2016, and 2018.

Last season, the Golden Gophers traveled to Lincoln and defeated Nebraska 20-13 behind a 128-yard and two-touchdown performance from Mohamed Ibrahim. The Golden Gophers defense kept the Cornhuskers offense to just 267 yards of total offense, including 121 passing yards.

Latest betting lines:​

The Golden Gophers remain a touchdown favorite over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, with the over/under sitting at 43.5.

Betting trends:

- Minnesota was 7-6 against the spread last season, including 5-2 as the home team.
- Nebraska went 5-7 against the spread last season, including 2-2 as an away team and 5-4 in conference matchups.

Weather:​

According to Accuweather, the weather for Thursday evening in Minneapolis should be great football weather. There will be a high of 84 tomorrow in Dinkytown, and as game time rolls around, the temperature will drop to 79. There will be quite a bit of wind throughout the game, with wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour, though the wind will be consistently around 10-11 mph. No precipitation is expected throughout the day.

Three Dogs Tavern, 3390 W. 32nd Avenue, in North Denver, is a Gopher hangout. See some of you there?

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The well-traveled tight end in some trouble

No official word, but per Nebby Rivals post, Husker LB Nick Henrich may miss Gopher game due to injury.

Darius Taylor with the nod for Minnesota, courtesy of @Adam Gorney

The latest to know about former Minnesota Golden Gophers currently in the NFL.

Mohamed Ibrahim waived by Lions​

Minnesota running back legend Mohamed Ibrahim has been waived by the Detroit Lions with an injury designation. The Maryland native signed with the Lions this spring as an undrafted free agent but suffered an injury in the Lions' preseason opener against the New York Giants. Ibrahim carried the ball four times in that preseason game to little success, totaling just nine yards.
The rest of the NFL's teams will have the opportunity to claim Ibrahim off waivers. If no one does, the Lions will have the opportunity to keep him on their injured reserve list or come to an injury settlement and release him, allowing him to become a free agent.

Preseason Performances​

WR Rashod Bateman, OT Daniele Faalele (Baltimore Ravens) - Bateman and Faalele played sparingly in the Ravens preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago. The Ravens will play their second preseason game on Monday night against the Washington Commanders.

CB Terell Smith (Chicago Bears) - Smith saw time on the field in the Bears' 24-17 loss to the Colts this weekend but did not record any stats.

LB De'Vondre Campbell (Green Bay Packers) - Campbell has seen limited preseason action this year as he's dealing with a small injury and is set to be a key part of the Packers' defense.

LB Blake Cashman, S Eric Murray (Houston Texans) - Cashman is entering his fifth year in the NFL. He's recorded 75 career tackles over his four seasons including 26 with Houston last year. Murray, on the other hand is entering year eight and his third with Houston. He played a smaller role last season for the Texans will look to reprise that same role this fall.

WR Tyler Johnson (Los Angeles Rams)
Johnson recorded five receptions for 70 yards in the Rams preseason game against the Chargers this weekend.

DE Esezi Otomewo (Minnesota Vikings) - Otomewo recorded four assisted tackles in the Vikigns 24-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikins.

OG Chuck Filiaga, S Jordan Howden (New Orleans Saints)
Filiaga is battling it out for a roster spot with the New Orleans Saints after being claimed earlier this month on waivers. Jordan Howden, on the other hand, had an impressive day on special teams for the Saints in their most recent preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

LB Carter Coughlin, C John Michael Schmitz (New York Giants) - John Michael Schmitz is looking to be every bit of the center that the New York Giants thought he could be when they drafted him. Coughlin, on the other hand, is fighting for a roster spot as part of the Giants' linebacker room and special teams unit.

QB Tanner Morgan (Pittsburgh Steelers) - After a quality performance in the Steelers' preseason opener, Morgan did not record any passing stats this past weekend against the Buffalo Bills.

LB Boye Mafe (Seattle Seahawks) - Mafe is coming off a very impressive preseason performance for the Seahawks against the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year defensive lineman has had a very good preseason so far and could be in line for a bigger role this season.

TE Ko Kieft, S Antoine Winfield Jr (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Kieft is hoping to see a bigger role on the offensive side of the ball for the Buccaneers this fall, while Winfield Jr. is expected to be a starting safety for the Bucs.

LB Jack Gibbens, LB Thomas Rush (Tennessee Titans) - Former Gopher Jack Gibbens is competing for a starting linebacker job with the Titans, while Rush is hoping to make the roster as a UDFA.

CB Benjamin St-Juste (Washington Commanders) - St-Juste is set to be an important part of the Washington Commanders secondary this fall. He has seen and will see limited snaps tonight and next week.

A quick look at some notable numbers about Nebraska entering Thursday's game.

Minnesota's season opener against Nebraska is just days away. Below, Gohpers Nation takes a look at some notable numbers to know about the Nebraska Cornhuskers entering this season.

.385: Is the winning percentage that Nebraska has throughout its football program's history when they start the season on the road. The Cornhuskers are also 6-6 in their 12 Big Ten openers but have lost each of their last three, including last year to Northwestern 31-28 in Ireland.

3: Wins against Minnesota since the Cornhuskers entered the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers have won each of the last four matchups, including three straight by seven points.

9: Tackles for loss, Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson had last season for the Cornhuskers; he has 20.5 over the last two seasons combined and also has totaled 10.5 sacks during the same time span.

13: Players that Nebraska brought into their program this offseason from the transfer portal, including WR Billy Kemp, TE Arik Gilbert, DB Corey Gollier, OL Jacob Hood, OL Ben Scott, and LB MJ Sherman.

23.1: Is the average amount of points that Tony White's defense at Syracuse allowed last season. After taking over in 2020, the Orange's defense improved from 32.7 points per game to 26.3 and then down to 23.1 last season.

22.6: Points per game is what Nebraska averaged in 2022 under head coach Scott Frost and interim head coach Mickey Joseph. The Cornhuskers hit the transfer portal hard in hopes of changing their offensive fortunes this fall. The Golden Gophers allowed just 13.8 points per game last season.

33. Sacks allowed last season for the Cornhuskers offensive line, which ranked 90th in the nation. Matt Rhule has tried to improve the offensive line as much as he could this offseason. That 33 total sacks come out to 2.7 sacks per game.

47: The amount of career wins for Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule as he went 28-23 at Temple from 2013 through 2016 before going 19-20 at Baylor from 2017 through 2019. Rhule won the Big 12 Coach of the Year Award in 2019 for leading Baylor to an 11-3 record two years after going 1-11 with the Bears.

224: Average amount of total yards projected Nebraska starting quarterback Jeff Sims has averaged in his 25 career games at Georgia Tech. He totaled over 200 passing yards nine times and over 50 rushing yards 11 times in his career as well.

267: Total yards Nebraska had on Minnesota's defense last year as the Gohpers used a fourth-quarter Mohamed Ibrahim touchdown to seal what would be a 20-13 victory.

344.2: Total yards the Cornhuskers averaged offensively in 2022, with 220.8 passing yards and 123.3 rushing yards per contest.

389: Straight sellouts for Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. While Thursday's game is a home game for the Gophers, the sellout streak is impressive nonetheless.

Any ideas? Looking for ideas for steak, Italian and Asian

I would say Taylor will play and not redshirt at rb. Lanier might get playing time at wr, however they might have him play just 4 games and retain his redshirt. With the injury to Jeffries, Randle might play at dt. Hopefully the rest redshirt, they would only play because of injuries.

Minnesota's season opener against the Nebraska Cornhuskers is just three days away, and today, Gophers Nation takes a look at five players to watch for in Thursday night's contest.

QB Athan Kaliakmanis - Minnesota​

Backing up Tanner Morgan last year, Kaliakmanis played quite a significant role in Minnesota's 2022 campaign, playing in 11 games. He completed 60-of-111 passing attempts for 946 yards and three touchdowns to four interceptions. It was a solid season overall for Kaliakmanis, who showed several flashes throughout the season of the quarterback that he could be.

Now, Kaliakmanis is the starting quarterback and unquestioned leader of the Gophers offense. A large chunk of the Gophers' success will ultimately fall on his shoulders. The Kaliakmanis era officially begins on Thursday, and all eyes will be on the third-year quarterback out of Illinois.

QB Jeff Sims - Nebraska​

Sims has always had the talent to be a special quarterback but never really stood a chance to show that talent in full while he was with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In his three years in Atlanta, Sims went 364-for-633 (57.5%) for 4,464 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.

Sims, now with the Cornhuskers, would like to prove that he can still be that quarterback who was a four-star prospect and one of the top-12 dual-threat quarterbacks in the country in the 2022 recruiting cycle. He's a dynamic quarterback who has the chance to change the game with either his arm or his legs.

TE Brevyn Spann-Ford - Minnesota​

We've been discussing Spann-Ford all offseason, so seeing him on our list of players to watch on Thursday shouldn't be surprising. One of the best tight ends in the country, Spann-Ford, is coming off a 42 receptions, 497 yards, and two touchdowns and could be in for an even bigger season this fall. Spann-Ford has elite size, great athleticism, and all the makings of a potential All-American tight end. Last season, Spann-Ford was kept to a season-low one reception for nine yards against the Cornhuskers. It seems highly unlikely that will be the case again on Thursday.

WR Billy Kemp - Nebraska​

The 5-foot-9 Kemp is a high-production wide receiver. Before transferring to Nebraska, Kemp totaled 192 receptions for 1,774 yards and eight touchdowns in five years with the Virginia Cavaliers. Kemp is coming off a quieter season of just 16 receptions for 116 yards, however, playing in just seven of Virginia's ten games. That being said, in 2021, Kemp recorded eight games of 50+ receiving yards and eight games of six or more receptions. With Jeff Sims throwing his way, Kemp could be in for another huge season.

S Tyler Nubin - Minnesota​

One of the top safeties in the country, Nubin is our lone defensive player on this week's players to watch. The Illinois native recorded a career-high 55 tackles last season, including two tackles for loss and four interceptions. He also had three pass deflections and one forced fumble. Nubin has excellent athleticism and a knack for consistently finding himself around the ball. With a Nebraska offense that should be relatively balanced, the Gophers will need Nubin to be productive both in assisting against the run and also being the last line of defense against the Cornhuskers' passing attack.

Could be Williams at one of the ILB spots. Most assumed Selig would start when he signed, maybe he still will.
Maybe Shaw will start at center and not LG and they move Boe to LG. Shaw might be a bit to small for guard and not for center
The other CB spot across form Walley might be still wide open.
PJ never tips his cards or releases a true depth chart.

Minnesota's 2023 season opener against the Nebraska Cornhuskers is just four days away as the Gophers host the Big Ten West rival on Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The Gophers are currently 7.5-point favorites over the Cornhuskers, with Gophers on some books as high as an eight-point favorite. The line since it opened earlier this offseason hasn't shifted too much, the Gophers being an eight-point favorite to open before dropping to -7.5 on most books. The over/under for the contest is set at 44.5 points, down two points from its 46.5 point mark at open. The Gophers are a -285 favorite on the money line.

Last year, Minnesota was 7-6 against the spread, while Nebraska owned a 5-7 record. The Gophers were also 5-2 against the spread as a home team last season; however, when favored by less than 10 points last season, the Gophers were just 2-4 against the spread. Nebraska against the spread in 2022 was 4-3 as an underdog, which included a 1-2 record on the road.

Overall, Minnesota is looking to etch a fourth nine-or-more-win season in four (full) seasons this fall after going 9-4 last season. Nebraska, on the other hand, is looking to steer the ship in the right direction after a sixth-straight losing season last year under Scott Frost and Mickey Joseph.

This offseason, the Cornhuskers hired former Temple and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule to lead the program. Rhule led impressive turnarounds at both previous institutions. He also was most recently the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, going 11-27 in two and half seasons with the Panthers.

Does that mean Nebraska fans bought a bunch of tickets? Or does it mean we are ready for big time football? I’m expecting a lot of red Thursday. Like 20% of the stadium will be Nebraska. Hope I’m wrong.

Gophers Nation continues Minnesota's 2023 position previews by taking a look at the Golden Gophers defensive line and its key members entering this fall.

Defensive End

At the defensive end, it will primarily be three edge rushers for the Golden Gophers. Jah Joyner will lead the pass rush and is someone that we are expecting to have a breakout season. Joyner did a great job of getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks last fall but just couldn't finish off those pressures with sacks. It's certainly easier said than done, but we do expect Joyner to get to the quarterback more this year, not just in terms of pressure but also in finishing those plays with sacks. Joyner has the ability and skill set to be one of the best edge rushers in the Big Ten.

Backing up Joyner will mostly be Jalen Logan-Redding and Anthony Smith. Logan-Redding played in 12 of 13 games last season, recording 18 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack. It was a quality season for the Missouri native and one that he can build on heading into this season. He should provide a quality backup and rotational piece for the Golden Gophers.

Smith, a redshirt freshman out of Pennsylvania, played in two games last season for the Golden Gophers, recording one tackle. He should see a bigger role for the Golden Gophers, but it will still be minimal compared to that of Jah Joyner and Jalen Logan-Redding.

Nose Tackle

At nose tackle, we expect mostly a two-man rotation with Kyler Baugh and Logan Richter.

Baugh, last season for the Golden Gophers, recorded 36 total tackles while starting all 13 games at nose tackle. He provided a quality presence in the middle of the field when it came to stopping opposing rushing attacks while also providing a bit of an upside in the pass rush. For the most part, his job is to eat up space, and he did that very well last season, earning All-Big Ten honorable mentions for his efforts.

Richter is entering his redshirt senior season with the program after playing in 17 games over the last three seasons, including 11 of 13 games last season. The Perham, Minnesota native recorded four tackles last season. It will be intriguing to see how much Richter sees the field this fall; last year, Baugh had 395 total snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, compared to Richter's 108. Either way, the Golden Gophers should feel confident in their pair of nose tackles in the middle. One additional name to watch here would be redshirt sophomore Luther McCoy, redshirt freshman Theorin Randle could be a name that sees a few snaps but ultimately will likely not play a major factor.

Defensive Tackle

At defensive tackle, redshirt sophomore Deven Eastern and redshirt senior Darnell Jefferies. Jefferies took more snaps last season than Eastern with a 61 to 23 advantage, but with Trill Carter now gone, Eastern and Jefferies should see a bigger role.

Right now, don't be surprised if it is Eastern who gets the starting job over Jefferies for the Gophers' week one matchup against Nebraska. During his brief time on the field last season, Eastern showed flashes and now, with an extended run on the field, could turn those flashes into solid production. Jefferies had an up-and-down time when on the field last fall but should be able to provide quality production for the Gophers, whether that's as a starter or backup. Behind Jefferies, watch for either redshirt sophomore Nate Becker, who made most of his impact on special teams last year, but also true freshman Martin Owusu. Neither should see significant snaps, however, barring injury.

RUSH

Finally, at the rush position, it will once again be a two-man rotation with Danny Striggow and North Carolina transfer Chris Collins. Striggow was a Big Ten honorable mention last season for the Gophers, recording 20 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was a quality pass rusher for the Golden Gophers last season and was able to convert on quite a bit of the time he got pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He was also a strong run defender. He may not put up impressive numbers, but Striggow is a reliable member of Minnesota's defense and will be a key part of their success.

Collins, a transfer from North Carolina who joined the program this offseason, played both linebacker and defensive end for the Tar Heels. He totaled 69 tackles over five seasons, including 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble. In 2022, he recorded 20 tackles, including eight solo. He played decent enough against the run as well during his time with the Tar Heels and should be a quality rotational piece for the Gophers.

Gophers Nation has confirmed a pair of in-state prospects will be making visits to Dinkytown this upcoming month.

We have learned that 2025 offensive linemen Sam Ruid and Ryan Babatz will both be in attendance for the Golden Gophers, September 9 matchup against Eastern Michigan.

Both offensive linemen are prospects that are teetering on the edge of being FBS and Power Five prospects.

Ruid, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound guard out of St. Francis, attended the Golden Gophers' camp earlier this spring and put together a quality performance. Ruid has also been receiving interest from North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Kansas, Nebraska, and Penn. The St. Francis native also plays basketball and is on St. Francis's track and field team. He runs a reported 5.0 forty-yard dash, a strong time for his size. He'll be a prospect to keep a closer eye on as the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses.

Babatz is a 6-foot-4, 275-pound guard out of Buffalo who also wrestles and does shot put and discuss for the Buffalo track and field team. Has received quite a bit of Power Five interest, including Duke, Iowa, and Nebraska. He also camped for the Golden Gophers earlier this offseason before receiving his first scholarship offer from North Dakota in July.

While neither prospect has offers yet from the Golden Gophers, both could be names to monitor as the cycle progresses.

Projecting depth charts is always tough, but I give it a go.

Projecting Minnesota's depth chart against Nebraska​

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Minnesota's 2023 season opener against the Nebraska Cornhuskers is just one week away as the Golden Gophers will host the Cornhuskers next Thursday at 8:00 p.m. at Huntington Bank Stadium. With fall camp over and the Gophers now moving into game preparation mode for the Cornhuskers, it's time to give our projected depth chart for next Thursday's season opener.

QUARTERBACK​

1. Athan Kaliakmanis (RS SO)
2. Cole Kramer (RS SR)
3. Drew Viotto (FR)

No surprises here; Athan Kaliakmanis will get the nod as the starting quarterback, while Cole Kramer will be the backup for the Golden Gophers. Drew Viotto will be third string and may get a few opportunities as the season progresses if the correct situations present themselves.

​

RUNNING BACK​

1. Sean Tyler (SR)
2. Darius Taylor (FR)
3. Bryce Williams (RS SR) OR Zach Evans (RS FR)

Western Michigan transfer Sean Tyler will be the starting running back to start the season, in our opinion, but don't be surprised if Darius Taylour pushes for that starting job as the season progresses. Taylor has had himself a very strong camp for the Gophers and should see a sizeable role right away.

​

SL- WIDE RECEIVER​

1. Corey Crooms (SR)
2. Kristen Hoskins (RS FR)
3. Quentin Redding (RS SO)

In the slot, another Western Michigan transfer will be the starter in Corey Crooms, while Kristen Hoskins will be the primary backup. Walk-on Quentin Redding, who emerged last year as a big special teams threat, could see some time in the slot this season as well.

​

X- WIDE RECEIVER​

1. Daniel Jackson (SR)
2. Le'Meke Brockington (RS SO)
3. Kenric Lanier (FR)

At the x spot, Daniel Jackson is coming off what could be considered a breakout season for the Golden Gophers and may very well be their No. 1 quarterback heading into the season. Le'Meke Brockington should provide a quality backup at the X after showing flashes throughout last season, while freshman Kenric Lanier will likely be the third string at the spot.

​

Z- WIDE RECEIVER​

1. Chris Autman-Bell (RS SR)
2. Elijah Spencer (JR)
3. Dino Kaliakmanis (RS SO)

Autman-Bell is a fan favorite but is coming off a knee injury suffered in September last season. It will be intriguing to see where he is with his athleticism and speed as the season gets underway, but we'll give him the starting nod to enter the season. Charlotte transfer Elijah Spencer is someone who could definitely push for similar snap counts as Autman-Bell if he takes advantage of his early opportunities.

​

TIGHT END​

1. Brevyn Spann-Ford (RS SR)
2. Nick Kallerup (RS SR)
3. Jameson Geers (RS SO) OR Nathan Jones (RS FR)

Breyvn Spann-Ford will receive a majority of the snaps at tight end for the Gophers and will be their primary receiving tight end, but of course, he is also a superb blocker. Nick Kallerup may receive a few targets throughout the season but will be out there mostly to be an extra blocker.

​

LEFT TACKLE​

1. Aierontae Ersery(RS JR)
2. Tony Nelson (RS FR)
3. Logan Purcell (RS SO)

Ersery will be the Gophers' starting left tackle once again this fall after a quality 2022 campaign doing so. Nelson and Purcell should provide decent enough depth.

​

LEFT GUARD​

1. Tyler Cooper (RS SR)
2. Karter Shaw (RS SR)
3. Greg Johnson (FR)

Tyler Cooper and Karter Shaw are battling it out for the left guard spot, We'll give the edge to Cooper for now, though, thanks to Shaw's versatility, he'll be getting plenty of snaps this fall as well.

​

CENTER​

1. Nathan Boe (RS SR)
2. Karter Shaw (RS SR)
3. Cade McConnell (RS FR)

Nathan Boe is locked in at center, while Karter Shaw will be his primary backup; if Shaw has to slide into a guard spot, Cade McConnell will be the backup center at that point.

​

RIGHT GUARD​

1. Quinn Carroll (RS SR)
2. Ashton Beer (RS FR)
3. Phillip Daniels (FR)

Quinn Carroll returns as the starter at right guard, with Ashton Beers as his backup. True freshman Phillip Daniels would presumably be the third string at the right guard spot.

​

RIGHT TACKLE​

1. Martes Lewis (RS JR) OR JJ Guedet (RS SR)
2. Martes Lewis (RS JR) OR JJ Guedet (RS SR)
3. Reese Tripp (FR)

The right tackle spot is still up to debate between Martes Lewis and JJ Guedet. We'd likely give the edge to Martes Lewis at the moment, but this could be a position battle that goes into the first week or two of the regular season as well.

​

DEFENSIVE END​

1. Jah Johnyer (RS JR)
2. Jalen Logan-Redding (RS SR)
3. Anthony Smith (RS FR)

Jah Joyner is a potential breakout candidate for the Golden Gophers on the defensive side of the ball and will receive a majority of the pass-rushing opportunities. Logan-Redding should provide some upside as his backup, while Anthony Smith will receive opportunities throughout the year.

NOSE TACKLE​

1. Kyler Baugh (RS SR)
2. Logan Richter (RS SR)

Only feel good projecting the top two spots at nose tackle. Kyler Baugh and Logan Richter should both see big workloads this fall.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE​

1. Deven Eastern (RS SO)
2. Darnell Jefferies (RS SR)
3. Nate Becker (RS SO)
At defensive tackle, Deven Eastern and Darnell Jefferies are likely to rotate quite a bit this season. Eastern has been impressive in his first two years on campus. Eastern will be the starter, but their workloads will likely be similar.

RUSH

1. Danny Striggow (SR)
2. Chris Collins (RS SR)

At the RUSH end, expect it to be mostly Danny Striggow and Chris Collins taking a majority of the snaps for the Gophers.

WILL LINEBACKER​

1. Cody Lindenberg (RS JR)
2. Devon Williams (RS SO)
Lindenberg returns as the Gophers' starter at the WILL spot. Devon Williams will be his likely backup, though Maverick Baranowski could potentially move to WILL if needed.

MIKE LINEBACKER​

1. Ryan Selig (SR)
2. Maverick Baranowski (RS FR)
Another Western Michigan transfer, Ryan Selig, will be the starting MIKE linebacker for the Gophers, while Maverick Baranowski will be the second-string MIKE. Baranowski, thanks to his versatility, should see a strong bit of playing time this fall.

SAM LINEBACKER​

1. Joey Gerlach (RS FR)

CORNERBACK​

1. Justin Walley (JR) / Tre'Von Jones (RS SR) / Jack Henderson (SR) OR Craig McDonald (RS JR)
2. Rhyland Kelly (RS FR) / Tyler Bride (SR)/ Jack Henderson (SR) OR Craig McDonald (RS JR)

Minnesota should feel rather good about their cornerback room. Justin Walley is going to be a force in the secondary, while Tre'von Jones, Jack Henderson, Craig McDonald, and Tyler Bride are all players who could realistically start. The depth at the position is really solid all around, including shirt freshman Tariq Watson, who could push for second-string DB reps.. I wouldn't be surprised if either of Za'Quan Bryan pushes for reps as the season progresses.

SAFETY​

1. Darius Green (RS SO) / Tyler Nubin (RS SR)
2. Aidan Gousby (RS FR) / Bryson Coleman (RS FR)

At safety, the duo of Darius Green and Tyler Nubin has a chance to be among the best safety duos in the Big Ten. Aidan Gousby and Bryson Coleman are the likely backups at the two safety spots to start the season, but don't be surprised if Kerry Brown makes his presence known as the season progresses.