Minnesota closed out its 2025 season on a high note, securing a bowl win over New Mexico. And while the offense did its part, the Gophers' defense deserves a closer look for how it held up in the trenches and beyond. Thanks to Pro Football Focus data, we’ve got a detailed snapshot of how Minnesota’s defensive rotation performed snap-by-snap - and who stood out when it mattered most.
Let’s break it down by position, starting up front.
Defensive End
Anthony Smith was the tone-setter. He logged 60 of 69 total defensive snaps - that’s 87% - and earned the highest grade on the defense with a 76.6.
Smith was disruptive on both fronts, posting 70+ grades in run defense and pass rush, and tallying four pressures to tie for the team lead. He was a consistent problem for New Mexico’s offensive line, and his motor never cooled.
Karter Menz was nearly as active, playing 75% of the snaps (52 total), and turned in a solid 73.5 grade - good for fourth-best on the team. He matched Smith with four pressures and showed balance in both run defense and coverage with grades north of 69 in each. Menz’s versatility gave the Gophers flexibility off the edge, and he responded with one of his most complete outings of the year.
On the flip side, Jaxon Howard had a quieter day. He saw 30 snaps (43%) but struggled to make an impact, finishing with a 57.4 grade - 17th out of 19 Gophers defenders who were graded.
His pass-rush grade came in at a team-low 44.7, and his tackling wasn’t much better at 54.0. It just wasn’t his game, and the numbers back that up.
Lucas Finnessy was used sparingly, logging just nine snaps. His 54.9 overall grade and a team-worst 29.2 tackling grade reflect the limited impact he had in his short stint on the field.
Defensive Tackle
Inside, the Gophers got solid contributions from multiple players.
Deven Eastern played 61% of the snaps (42 total) and posted a strong 71.8 grade, ranking fifth among Minnesota defenders. He was stout against the run and reliable as a tackler, with both grades clearing the 70 mark. Eastern helped plug the middle and kept the Lobos from gaining traction between the tackles.
Jalen Logan-Redding was also heavily involved, playing 67% of the snaps (46 total). His overall grade of 62.8 was more middle-of-the-pack, but he excelled in run defense and tackling, each grading out above 73. He did the dirty work inside and helped keep the second level clean.
Nate Becker didn’t see much action - just 14 snaps - but he made them count. His 75.0 grade was second-best on the defense, and his 74.9 pass-rush grade shows he brought some juice when called upon. Becker flashed in a limited role, and that’s exactly what you want from a rotational interior lineman.
Rushawn Lawrence saw 10 snaps and turned in a 61.6 grade. He wasn’t a standout, but with a 63.6 run defense grade, he held his ground when asked to spell the starters.
What It All Means
Minnesota’s defensive front showed real depth in their bowl win. Anthony Smith and Karter Menz brought the heat off the edge, while Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding anchored the interior with physical play. The rotation wasn’t flawless - Howard and Finnessy had their struggles - but the top-end performers more than made up for it.
Smith’s dominant showing capped off what looks like a breakout campaign, and Eastern’s consistency inside gives the Gophers something to build on heading into the offseason. If this group continues to develop, Minnesota’s defensive line could be a real strength in 2026.
Next up: the linebackers. Stay tuned.