Minnesota Gophers Football Coach P.J. Fleck opened up spring practice to the media last week and outsiders received a first look at how the roster is shaping up for the upcoming season. Fleck has brought in 15 transfer portal additions to the team, and they are already making their impact.

Here are a few observations from that practice.

Offense

Redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey impressed with his big arm, especially on a long touchdown toss to wide receiver Kenric Lanier. Not to be outdone, Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Zach Pyron also aired it out on a long passing touchdown to Christian Driver. All indications are that it is Lindsey’s job to lose but Pyron will give him a run for his money.

Darius Taylor will again be the bell cow in the backfield and the hope is that the offensive line is more aggressive in opening holes for him this year. It was a huge issue last year. But he showed his versatility finishing second on the team in receptions (54).

Marcus Major and Jordan Nubin have moved on but in to replace them are Marshall transfer A.J. Turner and Washington transfer Cameron Davis. Turner in particular should see the majority of the carries when Taylor needs a rest.

Transfer wide receivers Javon Tracy (Miami of Ohio). Logan Loya (UCLA), and Malachi Coleman (Nebraska) will be heavily involved in the offense this year. As expected, safety Koi Perich played some sequences on offense. Specific packages will be added to the offense this year to highlight his talents.

With the graduation of Aireontae Ersery, Quinn Carroll, Tyler Cooper, there will be a lot of new faces on the offensive line this year for the Gophers. Expect tackles Kahle Tafai (Washington), RT: Marcellus Marshall (UCF), and guard Dylan Ray, Kentucky) to see significant playing time in 2025.

I observed returning center Greg Johnson playing some right guard at the practice, and Ashton Beers playing the center position. That might portend some lineup changes. Redshirt freshmen Nathan Roy, Tony Nelson, and Brett Carroll will also be in the mix for playing time.

Defense

Minnesota used a rotation of seven players on the defensive line last season and it looks like they are deep enough this year to run that number back. Anthony Smith is ready for a breakout season at the right defensive end position. Meeting him at the quarterback will be Illinois State transfer defensive end Steven Curtis. Holdovers Jaxon Howard and Lucas Finnesy provide depth at this position.

In Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding, the Gophers have a couple of seasoned veterans with plenty of Big Ten play experience at the defensive tackle position. After practice, Logan-Redding was effusive in his praise of the talent and depth along the Minnesota defensive front. Stony Brook transfer Rushawn Lawrence will provide the depth at this position.

Linebacker is the one position where Minnesota lacks depth, although the players here have plenty of experience. Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams have seen considerable action since their freshman seasons. The loss of All-Big Ten stalwart Cody Lindenberg will hurt but Oklahoma transfer Jeff Roberson brings some good experience to the table.

Minnesota’s cornerback unit lacks experience after the graduation of starters Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson. Last year’s reserve, redshirt sophomore Za’Quan Bryan will man one of the outside spots. Transfer Jalen Bowden (NC Central) and true freshman Naiim Parris will battle for the other spot. Jai’Onte McMillian who played with spunk and aggressiveness at the open practice will be the nickel corner. Redshirt junior Rhyland Kelly will provide depth,

Talent abounds at the safety position led by freshman All-American Koi Perich. Koi tracks the ball better than any player I have ever seen. He contributed on defense and in the return game last year and has previously mentioned they have designed some special packages for him on offense. His running mate is the talented Kerry Brown who had a two-interception game last season and also made some huge stops on fourth down running plays.

Redshirt junior Aidan Gousby is an experienced backup, and Darius Green may be a candidate to replace Jack Henderson who played a roving hybrid monster back position in 2024 and made some huge, clutch plays for the Gophers defense.

Gophers Coaching Staff

Before spring practices, coach Fleck announced seven changes to his coaching staff. Jayden Everett was hired away from South Alabama to coach the running backs. He replaces Nic McKissic-Luke who accepted the same role with the NFL New York Jets. Ex-Purdue defensive coordinator Kevin Kane was hired to coach the nickel backs and outside linebackers.

C.J. Robinson comes to Minnesota from Central Michigan to coach the rush ends. This move was precipitated by Dennis Dottin-Carter accepting the defensive line coach position at Minnesota, due to the departure of Winston DeLattiboudere to the Arizona Cardinals

Danny Collins, a veteran Fleck assistant was hired as the Gophers new defensive coordinator. Last year’s coordinator Corey Hetherman accepted the same position at the Univrsity of Miami. Hetherman who also coached the Gophers linebackers last season was replaced by ex-Minnesota star linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin. Sori-Marin coached nickel backs and was the assistant linebackers coach in 2024. And Keegan O’Hara was promoted from offensive analyst to assistant quarterbacks’ coach.