Minnesota Golden Gophers
79
75
OFF
84
DEF
Solid
Matchup
Big Ten8-5 (2025)#28 Recruiting65% Returning
Depth Chart· Updated Aug 17, 2026· Two-deep · Public sources
QB
  1. 5
    78
    Drake LindseyRS SO
    Starter
  2. 6
    56
    Max ShikenjanskiRS JR
  3. 12
    56
    Michael MerdingerRS SO/TR
    TRANSFER
RB
  1. 1
    80
    Darius TaylorSR
    Starter
  2. 2
    58
    A.J. TurnerRS SR/TR
  3. 23
    58
    TJ ThomasJR/TR
    TRANSFER
WR-X
  1. 8
    78
    Jalen SmithRS SO
    Starter
  2. 13
    70
    Noah JenningsSR/TR
    TRANSFER
  3. 7
    67
    Bradley MartinoRS FR
WR-Z
  1. 3
    73
    Perry ThompsonJR/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 18
    63
    Donielle HayesRS JR
SLOT
  1. 11
    77
    Javon TracyRS SR/TR
    Starter
  2. 25
    67
    Zion SteptoeRS SR/TR
    TRANSFER
TE
  1. 87
    70
    Kaden HelmsRS SR/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 19
    56
    Pierce WalshRS JR
  3. 82
    48
    Julian JohnsonRS SO
LT
  1. 50
    79
    Nathan RoyRS SO
    Starter
  2. 60
    63
    Kaveon LeeRS FR
LG
  1. 65
    69
    Greg JohnsonSR
    Starter
  2. 58
    57
    Jaden BallRS SO/TR
C
  1. 78
    69
    Ashton BeersRS SR
    Starter
  2. 56
    63
    Brett CarrollRS SO
RG
  1. 59
    69
    Tony NelsonRS SR
    Starter
  2. 55
    69
    Jerome WilliamsRS JR
RT
  1. 68
    81
    Bennett WarrenRS SO/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 51
    63
    Daniel ShippRS FR
2026 Schedule

0 games

Tap any game for the matchup breakdown — history, projection, and a simulated result.

Team Analysis
WHY #54 IN WS POWER

2025 SP+: 1.5 → 1.4 after regression

65%

Roster talent: 69th percentile

18%

Recruiting class: #28 national

16%

Returning production: 65%

4%

Preseason blend — SP+ weight rises when 2026 numbers publish (Aug). How we rank · not a betting line.

Portal

16 adds in two-deep · avg 77 OVR · top add: T. Bush Jr. (DE, 84, from California)

Camp battles to watch1
Coach MinnesotaTake them from week one to the natty. You call every play.

Updated Aug 17, 2026 · Data from public sources

Who starts for Minnesota?

Minnesota Golden Gophers starting lineup

Drake Lindsey is the projected starting quarterback for Minnesota as of August 17, 2026. Max Shikenjanski is listed second.

Minnesota also projects Darius Taylor at running back, Jalen Smith at wide receiver and Kaden Helms at tight end.

The full Minnesota Golden Gophers two-deep was last updated August 17, 2026. Preseason depth charts are projections and change through fall camp.

Drake Lindsey · QBDarius Taylor · RBJalen Smith · WR-XKaden Helms · TE

Common questions

Who is Minnesota's starting quarterback?
Drake Lindsey is the projected starting quarterback for Minnesota as of August 17, 2026. Max Shikenjanski is listed second.
Who starts at running back for Minnesota?
Darius Taylor is the projected starter at running back for Minnesota, with A.J. Turner listed second.
Who starts at wide receiver for Minnesota?
Jalen Smith is the projected starter at wide receiver for Minnesota, with Noah Jennings listed second.
Who starts at tight end for Minnesota?
Kaden Helms is the projected starter at tight end for Minnesota, with Pierce Walsh listed second.
When was the Minnesota Golden Gophers depth chart last updated?
The Minnesota Golden Gophers depth chart on Who's Starting was last updated August 17, 2026. It refreshes daily through the season.
What was Minnesota's record last season?
Minnesota Golden Gophers finished 8-5 (5-4 in Big Ten play).