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Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) celebrates with Paul Bunyan’s Axe after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
It is about time to start the infamous Upgrade/Downgrade series as we preview the 2026 Gopher football season. The Eastern Illinois game kicks off in seven weeks, which gives us ample time to ramp up the unrealistic optimism of the offseason. The schedule is more difficult, but the team is returning some key players at key positions. So will this team be better than the 2025 version? Is this the year PJ Fleck breaks through for a unique season?
Time will tell, but we will begin our series by looking at the quarterback.
2026 Quarterback
2025 Starter: Drake Lindsey
2026 Starters: Drake Lindsey
Depth: Max Shikenjanski, Owen Lansu (Fr), Dylan Wittke (Jr), Michael Merdinger (So), Brady Palmer (Fr)
A year ago there was tepid optimism around Drake Lindsey being the unquestioned starter as a redshirt freshman. But I think we can agree that while Lindsey’s first season as the starter was far from perfect, he had a successful season.
I attempted to look back and compare Lindsey’s first year as a young starter to other Gopher quarterbacks who started a full season early in their careers. And there are not many seasons where there is an adequate comparison. Mitch Leidner, Bryan Cupito, Corey Sauter and Tanner Morgan all were able to get several starts under their belt before they took over as the unquestioned starter. Even with their additional reps, Lindse ranks 2nd in completion %, 3rd in touchdowns thrown and 1st in fewest interceptions.
The most apt comparison is likely Adam Weber’s 2007 freshman season.
As a true freshman, Weber threw for 2,895 yards, completing 57.5% of his passes (258/449). He also had 24 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. But Weber had some systemic advantages for his freshman season. He had two of the all-time best receivers in Gopher history at his disposal in Eric Decker and Ernie Wheelright. He also was in an offense that was not shy about throwing the ball, Weber averaged about 7.5 more passing attempts per game than Lindsey did. On the other hand, he was dealt a rookie head coach and an historically bad defense.
Lindsey finished his freshman season going 246/389 (63.2%), 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions. And he did this with an uninspiring set of receivers. To his benefit, he is working with a competent coaching staff and an overall roster that he doesn’t have to overcome with his arm.
As we continue living a life via comparisons, Lindsey’s freshman season is eerily similar to Max Brosmer’s senior, and only, season for Minnesota. Take a look at this comparison…
Lindsey (2025 FR) 246 comp – 389 att – 63.2% – 2382 yds – 18 TDs – 6 Int
Brosmer (2024 SR) 268 comp – 403 att -66.5% – 2828 yds – 18 TDs – 6 Int
One of those guys was one of the best offensive players in FCS, had a great year at a Big Ten school and is now on an NFL roster. The other was making his first starts as a collegiate player, being thrown into Big Ten play before he was old enough to drink.
It was a successful season, regardless of Lindey’s experience or age.
Upgrade or Downgrade?
But the million-dollar question is…will this be an upgrade in his sophomore season?
The good news is that most of the young quarterbacks named above had slightly better seasons in year two of being the full-time starter. But the improvements were slight. Adam Weber reduced his interceptions, increased his completion % and most importantly, went from a 1-11 team to a 7-6 team while his yardage and touchdowns dipped. Cupito’s numbers all improved a bit as the 7-5 record remained the same. Morgan earned an incomplete grade because he was injured and played in just seven games.
I think that Lindsey is going to have a better year for three reasons.
One, he will be better at completing the short and mid-range passes. Perhaps my biggest complaint with Lindsey last year was that his short game was not impressive. Multiple passes per game were a little bit low or slightly behind his intended receiver. This was common on drag routes to tight ends and passes to the running back in the flat. These should be among the easiest throws to improve on, and they will make a huge difference. His completion % will go up and more importantly, it will lead to more first downs.
Second, I believe his receiving room is going to be better. There seems to be a better vibe with his receivers and there is some talent in that room. Jalen Smith will be a sophomore after an impressive freshman season, he should be better. Javon Tracy is back and Noah Jennings from Cincinnati looks to be a dynamic weapon. His weapons at tight end may not be as dangerous, but he’s going to have better receivers.
Third, it looks like the coaching staff is going to open up the playbook a little more. Maybe it was just because it was a spring game, but the offense was letting the ball loose. Is this an indication of how they plan to open up the field and let Drake cook with his arm?
Behind Lindsey, I think the staff has more experience and talent than they did a year ago. Max Shikenjanski has solidified the backup spot, Dylan Wittke is in his third year with the program and freshman Owen Lansu looked very good in his spring game action.
I am embracing the optimism. Do I think that Lindsey is going to be the 4th pick in next springs NFL Draft? I do not. But I firmly belive the quarterback position will be an upgrade in 2026 and the passing game as a whole may be a real strength.
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