Minnesota Gophers Face Depth Test Ahead of Rate Bowl Clash with New Mexico
PHOENIX - When the Minnesota Gophers take the field at Chase Field for the Rate Bowl against New Mexico, they’ll be doing so with a reshuffled deck - especially at wide receiver and cornerback.
The biggest name missing? Senior wideout Le’Meke Brockington.
The Gophers' top receiver this season - 46 catches, 484 yards - has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. It’s a significant loss for an offense that already had its share of growing pains this year.
Brockington was the go-to guy, a reliable target who could move the chains and stretch the field. Without him, Minnesota will need to lean on a group of younger, less proven pass-catchers to fill the void.
Unlike last year, when six Gophers opted out of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Brockington is the only confirmed opt-out this time around. One possible reason?
Minnesota activated a clause in its player revenue-sharing agreements that provides compensation for being on the active roster during the bowl game. It’s a move that may have helped keep more of the roster intact for this matchup.
Still, the wide receiver room has been hit hard by transfer portal movement. Five receivers have announced their intention to enter the portal, and with the window opening Jan. 2, most of them didn’t make the trip to Arizona. That leaves Minnesota with a thinner rotation, though No. 2 and 3 receivers Javon Tracy and Jalen Smith are active and expected to play key roles.
Keep an eye on Bradley Martino, Logan Loya, and Donielle Hayes - all are in line for increased snaps. And don’t be surprised if safety Koi Perich sees time on offense.
The sophomore has already shown flashes in limited two-way action this season, with three catches for 55 yards and a few carries sprinkled in. His versatility could be a valuable X-factor in a game where depth is at a premium.
On the defensive side, the secondary is also dealing with some notable absences. Cornerbacks Za’Quan Bryan and Jai’Onte’ McMillan were ruled out just two hours before kickoff, thinning out a unit that already had to shuffle personnel late in the season.
In the regular-season finale against Wisconsin, safety Aidan Gousby stepped in at corner and helped lead the Gophers to a 17-7 win. He’s a candidate to do the same again, likely lining up opposite John Nestor, with Mike Gerald also in the mix.
In total, Minnesota listed 16 players as unavailable for the bowl, including several key contributors. Among the season-ending injuries: running back A.J.
Turner (knee), defensive tackle Mo Omonode (back), linebacker Joey Gerlach (knee), and defensive tackle Theorin Randle (foot). That’s a lot of production and leadership on the shelf.
The quarterback room isn’t immune, either. Third- and fourth-stringers Dylan Wittke and Emmett Morehead are both out, and with Jackson Kollock entering the transfer portal, it’s unclear who sits behind starter Drake Lindsey and backup Max Shikenjanski. If anything happens to Lindsey, Minnesota could be in scramble mode under center.
The Gophers are also missing offensive linemen Kahlee Tafai and Aluma Nkele, defensive backs Simon Seidl and Evan Redding, linebacker Drew Wilson, kicker Sam Henson, and defensive tackle Sam Macy. Safety Garrison Monroe and offensive lineman Daniel Shipp were listed as questionable heading into the game.
It’s not the ideal situation for a bowl game, but it’s also not unfamiliar territory in today’s college football landscape. Between opt-outs, injuries, and the ever-spinning transfer portal, depth and adaptability are just as important as talent this time of year. For Minnesota, the Rate Bowl is a chance to see what the next wave of Gophers can do under the lights - and who’s ready to step up when the roster gets tested.