Gophers Gear Up for Rate Bowl Finale, Await Key 2026 Decisions
The Gophers are set to wrap up their 2025 season on Friday afternoon with a Rate Bowl showdown against New Mexico at State Farm Stadium. It’s a familiar December stage for Minnesota under head coach P.J.
Fleck-he’s a perfect 6-0 in bowl games during his tenure, and the program has rattled off eight straight postseason wins overall. But beyond the game itself, all eyes are on the roster decisions looming just beyond the final whistle.
This bowl marks a crossroads for several key players. Some have already committed to returning in 2026, while others are still weighing their futures-whether that’s another year in maroon and gold, a shot at the NFL, or simply taking time to evaluate their next move.
Darius Taylor: “The portal is not an option”
Let’s start with Darius Taylor. The standout running back is in Arizona with the team and plans to suit up on Friday, a move that speaks volumes about where his heart is. While Taylor hasn’t officially announced his plans for 2026, early signs suggest he’s leaning toward returning.
Taylor has been a dynamic force out of the backfield, piling up over 3,000 yards from scrimmage across three seasons. Despite missing three games this year due to injury, he still led the team with 572 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His presence in the bowl game isn’t just about honoring the seniors-it’s also a signal to teammates, coaches, and fans that he’s still locked in.
“I haven’t really thought about that stuff,” Taylor said when asked about his future. “It’ll probably be after the bowl game-I’ll sit down and talk to Coach Fleck, do all those things. The biggest thing is playing in the bowl game, getting my body together, excited to play with the seniors one last time.”
And when it comes to the transfer portal? Taylor was clear: “Nah, the portal is not an option.”
Anthony Smith: NFL Draft or One More Run?
Then there’s Anthony Smith, the Gophers’ pass-rushing phenom who’s coming off a monster season. His 10.5 sacks led the Big Ten, and he racked up 13.5 tackles for loss. Safe to say, NFL scouts are watching closely.
Smith still has one year of eligibility left, but the decision to return or declare for the draft is front and center. And for Smith, it’s not just about draft grades or projections-it’s about development.
“Are you ready for the league, are you not ready? Some people don’t know those answers and some people do know those answers,” Smith said. “What I’m really taking into consideration is who is going to coach me the best, who am I going to get coached by, who is going to push me.”
If he does come back, the Gophers are expected to make sure he’s supported financially through NIL opportunities. But for now, Friday’s bowl game could be his curtain call in a Minnesota uniform.
Who’s Already Locked In for 2026?
While some decisions are still up in the air, a number of players have already made it official: they’re coming back.
Quarterback Drake Lindsey was the first to go public with his decision. The sophomore started all 12 games this season, throwing for 2,236 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He averaged 186 yards per game and even delivered a game-winning touchdown on the ground in an overtime thriller against Michigan State. Lindsey’s return gives the Gophers continuity and leadership at the most important position on the field.
Joining him is Prior Lake native Greg Johnson, who transitioned from center to offensive guard this year. He made it clear that staying in Minnesota for his senior season was a no-brainer.
“This is where I want to be, this is my home,” Johnson said. “Being able to come back and finish out my senior year playing with the boys, can’t pass that up.”
Also returning in 2026: safety Kerry Brown, defensive back John Nestor, offensive lineman Nathan Roy, and wide receiver Jalen Smith. That’s a solid core of experience on both sides of the ball-something that should give Fleck and his staff a strong foundation heading into the offseason.
Still Waiting on Koi Perich
There’s one big name still undecided-Minnesota native and standout safety Koi Perich. Fleck is expected to get more clarity on Perich and other players after the bowl game. But whether it’s Taylor, Smith, or Perich, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the Gophers’ 2026 outlook in a major way.
For now, the focus is on finishing strong. A win on Friday would give Minnesota its ninth straight bowl victory and cap off another season of resilience and growth. But once the final whistle blows, the real offseason begins-and with it, the next chapter for some of the program’s biggest names.