2025 Minnesota Gophers Football Schedule Released

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football program is set to embark on an exciting and challenging journey in 2025. With a plethora of talented players returning and a highly anticipated recruiting class, the Gophers are poised to make a significant impact in the Big Ten Conference. Led by returning head coach P.J. Fleck, Minnesota will face a rigorous schedule that will test the limits of their team. The season will be filled with thrilling matchups against both conference and non-conference opponents, providing fans with plenty of opportunities to witness the Gophers’ pursuit of greatness. Get ready for an unforgettable season of Minnesota Golden Gophers football in 2025.

The non-conference portion of the schedule features intriguing matchups against the likes of the Colorado Buffaloes and the Syracuse Orange. The Gophers will also face the Western Illinois Leathernecks in the season opener, seeking to set the tone for the year ahead. The Big Ten Conference slate presents an equally daunting challenge, as Minnesota will face off against perennial powerhouses such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Each game will be a battle of attrition, demanding both physical and mental fortitude from the Gophers.

With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Gophers possess the depth and talent to navigate the treacherous waters of the 2025 season. The offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a stable of skilled playmakers, will look to keep opposing defenses on their toes. The defense, anchored by a stout defensive line and a opportunistic secondary, will aim to make life miserable for opposing offenses. As the season progresses, the Gophers will rely on their collective strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in their abilities to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. The 2025 campaign promises to be a memorable one for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program, etched in the annals of history with every victory and every hard-fought battle.

Unveiling the Gophers’ Gridiron Journey: 2025 Football Schedule

Non-Conference Encounters: Defining the Early Season Path

The Gophers kick off their 2025 campaign with a non-conference slate that promises both challenges and opportunities. The season opener on August 30th pits them against the Idaho Vandals, a formidable FCS opponent from the Big Sky Conference. This matchup provides an early test for the Gophers’ defense and gives the offense a chance to establish its rhythm.

Week 2 brings a formidable challenge in the form of the Texas Longhorns, a perennial powerhouse from the Big 12. The Gophers will travel to Austin for this contest, facing a team known for its explosive offense and stingy defense. The outcome of this game will set the tone for the remainder of the season and provide valuable experience against a top-tier opponent.

The non-conference schedule concludes with a home game against the Nevada Wolf Pack on September 13th. Nevada, a member of the Mountain West Conference, has become a consistent threat under coach Ken Wilson. The Gophers will need to be at their best to overcome the Wolf Pack’s balanced attack and fierce defense.

Date-Time	Opponent	Location	TV
Aug 30, 2025, 12:00 PM	Idaho (FCS)	Huntington Bank Stadium	BTN
Sep 6, 2025, 6:30 PM	@ Texas	Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium	FOX
Sep 13, 2025, 12:00 PM	Nevada	Huntington Bank Stadium	BTN

A Season of Rivalry: Minnesota’s Non-Conference Clash

Big Ten Battles

The Gophers will face a gauntlet of Big Ten opponents in non-conference play, including a trip to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers have been a thorn in Minnesota’s side for years, and the Gophers will be looking to snap their losing streak against their bitter rivals. They will also host the Purdue Boilermakers, who have emerged as a contender in the Big Ten West in recent years. The Boilermakers’ high-powered offense will pose a significant challenge for Minnesota’s defense.

A Trio of Western Foes

In addition to their Big Ten matchups, Minnesota will also face three teams from the Mountain West Conference. They will open the season at home against the Colorado State Rams, who are led by head coach Jay Norvell, who previously coached at Nevada. The Gophers will then travel to Laramie, Wyoming, to face the Cowboys, who have been a consistent bowl contender in recent years. Minnesota will wrap up its non-conference schedule with a home game against the UNLV Rebels, who are looking to improve on their 2-10 record from last season.

Non-Conference Schedule
Date	Time	Opponent	Location
Aug. 30	TBA	Colorado State	Huntington Bank Stadium
Sept. 6	TBA	at Wyoming	War Memorial Stadium
Sept. 13	TBA	Purdue	Huntington Bank Stadium
Sept. 20	TBA	at Wisconsin	Camp Randall Stadium
Sept. 27	TBA	UNLV	Huntington Bank Stadium

Embracing the Big Ten: Home and Away Encounters

Home Turf Battles

The Gophers will host a formidable lineup of Big Ten rivals at Huntington Bank Stadium in 2025. The schedule features captivating matchups against the Purdue Boilermakers, Indiana Hoosiers, and Michigan Wolverines. With the home crowd roaring and supporting, the Gophers will strive to defend their turf and protect their undefeated home record against Purdue.

Road Warriors

The Gophers will embark on challenging road trips to face their Big Ten adversaries. They will travel to the raucous atmosphere of Ohio Stadium to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, always a highly anticipated contest. Additionally, they will visit the historic Camp Randall Stadium to face the Wisconsin Badgers, a bitter rival with whom they share a heated rivalry.

Non-Conference Challenges

Beyond the Big Ten realm, the Gophers will test their mettle against non-conference opponents. They will host the Western Illinois Leathernecks, a program that has consistently performed well in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Additionally, they will take on the Arizona Wildcats, a team from the Pac-12 Conference looking to prove their worth against a Power Five opponent.

Gopher Football Schedule 2025

Date	Opponent	Location
August 30	Western Illinois	Huntington Bank Stadium
September 6	at Ohio State	Ohio Stadium
September 13	Purdue	Huntington Bank Stadium
September 20	at Wisconsin	Camp Randall Stadium
September 27	OPEN
October 4	at Arizona	Arizona Stadium
October 11	Indiana	Huntington Bank Stadium
October 18	at Rutgers	SHU Stadium
October 25	Michigan	Huntington Bank Stadium
November 1	at Illinois	Memorial Stadium
November 8	Northwestern	Huntington Bank Stadium
November 15	at Nebraska	Memorial Stadium

Homecoming Extravaganza: A Gopher Tradition

The University of Minnesota’s homecoming weekend is a beloved tradition that brings together alumni, students, and the broader community in celebration of the Gophers’ athletic and academic achievements. The festivities are centered around the annual homecoming football game, but also include a wide range of other events, including parades, concerts, and social gatherings.

Football Game

The homecoming football game is the centerpiece of the weekend’s festivities. The Gophers take on a variety of opponents each year, ranging from Big Ten rivals to non-conference foes. The game is typically held on a Saturday afternoon at Huntington Bank Stadium on the university’s Minneapolis campus.

Parade

The homecoming parade is a colorful and spirited event that features floats, marching bands, and community groups. The parade route winds through the streets of Minneapolis, beginning at the university’s St. Paul campus and ending at Huntington Bank Stadium. The parade is a great way to get into the spirit of homecoming and show your support for the Gophers.

Concert

The homecoming concert is a popular tradition that features a variety of musical acts. In recent years, the concert has been held at Williams Arena, the university’s basketball stadium. The concert is a great opportunity to see some of your favorite artists and celebrate the Gophers’ homecoming.

Other Events

In addition to the football game, parade, and concert, there are a number of other events that take place during homecoming weekend. These events include:

Event	Description
Alumni tailgate	A gathering for alumni to socialize and enjoy food and drinks before the game.
Pep rally	A spirited rally to cheer on the Gophers before the game.
Bonfire	A bonfire held on the university’s Northrop Mall on the eve of the game.
Homecoming dance	A dance held on the university’s St. Paul campus on the evening of the game.

The Battle for the Axe: Wisconsin’s Annual Rivalry

The Battle for the Axe is an annual rivalry game between the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. The game is played for the possession of the Axe, a trophy that was first awarded in 1948. The Badgers currently hold the Axe, having won the most recent game in 2022. The rivalry is one of the most intense in college football, and the atmosphere at the game is electric.

The History of the Axe

The Axe was first awarded in 1948 after Minnesota defeated Wisconsin 28-14. The trophy is a replica of the axe that was used to cut down the goalposts after the game. The Axe has been awarded to the winner of the game every year since 1948, with the exception of 1958 when the game ended in a tie.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin is one of the most intense in college football. The two schools are located just 40 miles apart, and they have a long history of competing against each other. The game is always played in front of a sold-out crowd, and the atmosphere is electric. The rivalry is so intense that it has even been the subject of a book, “The Axe: A Rivalry Unparalleled.”

The Axe Games

The Axe games are always some of the most exciting games of the college football season. The two teams are always evenly matched, and the games are often decided by a single play. The Axe games are also known for their intensity, and there have been several brawls between the two teams over the years.

The Axe Records

Wisconsin leads the all-time series against Minnesota 62-59-8. The Badgers have also won the Axe more times than the Golden Gophers, 37-23-4. The Axe was last awarded to Wisconsin in 2022, and the game is scheduled to be played in Minneapolis in 2025.

Year	Winner	Score
2022	Wisconsin	23-16
2021	Minnesota	23-13
2020	Wisconsin	20-17
2019	Wisconsin	38-17
2018	Minnesota	37-15

Road Warriors: Gophers Embark on Conference Away Games

As the Gophers prepare for their 2025 season, they face a daunting road schedule that will test their mettle and determination. The conference away game slate is particularly challenging, with the Gophers facing several perennial powerhouses on the road.

The Gophers kick off their conference road schedule on September 6th at Indiana. The Hoosiers have been a consistent thorn in Minnesota’s side in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings. The Gophers will need to be at their best to overcome a tough Indiana defense and a raucous home crowd.

After a bye week, the Gophers face another tough road test against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 20th. Kinnick Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in the Big Ten, and the Hawkeyes have won 14 of the last 18 meetings with Minnesota.

The Gophers then travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, to face the Purdue Boilermakers on October 4th. Purdue has been a middle-of-the-pack team in recent years, but they always play tough at home. The Gophers will need to be disciplined and mistake-free to come away with a victory.

The Gophers face their toughest road test of the season on October 18th when they travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to face the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan is one of the premier programs in the country, and they have dominated the Gophers in recent years, winning 12 of the last 15 meetings.

The Gophers wrap up their conference road schedule on November 1st when they travel to Columbus, Ohio, to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State is a perennial College Football Playoff contender, and they have won 11 straight meetings with Minnesota.

The Gophers’ road schedule in 2025 is one of the toughest in the country. If they want to be successful, they will need to play with passion, discipline, and execution. The road to a Big Ten championship will go through these challenging road games.

Conference Away Game Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location
September 6th	Indiana Hoosiers	Bloomington, IN
September 20th	Iowa Hawkeyes	Iowa City, IA
October 4th	Purdue Boilermakers	West Lafayette, IN
October 18th	Michigan Wolverines	Ann Arbor, MI
November 1st	Ohio State Buckeyes	Columbus, OH

The Big House Beckons: Michigan Stadium Awaits

The Gophers will embark on a momentous road trip in 2025, venturing to one of the most iconic stadiums in college football: Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as “The Big House.” This colossal venue boasts a seating capacity of over 107,000, making it the largest American football stadium in the United States.

The Gophers will face a formidable challenge when they step onto the hallowed turf of Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines have a rich football tradition, having won multiple national championships and Big Ten Conference titles. The atmosphere at their home games is electric, with a deafening crowd and a sea of maize and blue.

The Gophers will need to be at their best to compete with Michigan in this hostile environment. They will have to execute their game plan flawlessly and limit mistakes if they want to emerge victorious. The game will be a true test of their mettle and a chance to make a statement on a national stage.

The Number Seven

The number seven holds a special significance for the Gophers in their upcoming matchup against Michigan. Here are some noteworthy facts related to the number seven:

The Gophers have played Michigan seven times since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014. They have a record of 1-6 against the Wolverines.

The Gophers’ only win against Michigan came in 2016, when they defeated the Wolverines 30-14 at TCF Bank Stadium.

The Gophers have scored an average of 18.3 points per game against Michigan, while allowing an average of 35.9 points per game.

| Team | Record |
|—|—|
| Gophers | 1-6 |
| Michigan | 6-1 |

Homecoming Redux: Purdue Visits TCF Bank Stadium

In the annals of Minnesota football, few games hold as much significance as the Homecoming clash. And in 2025, the Gophers will welcome a formidable opponent to TCF Bank Stadium in the form of Purdue University.

Pursuing the Throne

Having finished the previous season in second place in the Big Ten West, the Gophers will be eager to make a statement against a Purdue team that has emerged as a contender in the Big Ten East. Led by an electric offense and a stingy defense, Purdue poses a significant threat to Minnesota’s Homecoming aspirations.

Remembering History

The Gophers hold a 12-10-1 record against Purdue all-time, including a 34-13 triumph in their most recent meeting in 2021. However, Purdue has won two of the last three contests between the two teams, giving the upcoming matchup an added layer of intrigue.

Number 8: A Lifeline for Purdue

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been a revelation for Purdue, leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns in 2024. His ability to extend plays and make throws from unconventional angles has transformed the Boilermakers’ offense into a nightmare for opposing defenses.

O’Connell has a knack for making plays on third down, converting a staggering 55% of his attempts. His presence under center gives Purdue a lifeline in crucial situations, allowing them to prolong drives and keep the pressure on their opponents.

The Gophers’ defense will be tasked with neutralizing O’Connell’s impact, employing a combination of pressure and coverage to limit his time and options. However, O’Connell’s uncanny ability to create something out of nothing could prove to be the difference in a tightly contested Homecoming showdown.

Senior Day Send-off: Honoring the Gophers of Yesteryear

The final home game of the season is always a special one, as it marks the last time that the senior class will take the field at TCF Bank Stadium. This year’s Senior Day will be no different, as the Gophers will honor 20 seniors who have dedicated their time and effort to the program.

The seniors will be recognized before the game, and they will each have a chance to address the crowd. After the game, the seniors will be presented with commemorative jerseys and will have their names added to the Senior Walk in the TCF Bank Stadium concourse.

The Gophers have a long and proud tradition of honoring their seniors, and this year’s Senior Day will be no exception. The Gophers are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of their seniors and to send them off in style.

9. Other Notable Games

In addition to the games listed above, there are a few other notable games on the Gophers’ 2025 schedule.

• The Gophers will open the season with a non-conference game against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on August 30th. The Blue Raiders are a member of Conference USA, and they finished the 2022 season with a record of 7-5.

• The Gophers will also play a non-conference game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on September 20th. The Jackrabbits are a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and they finished the 2022 season with a record of 11-1.

The Gophers will play their annual rivalry game against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 29th. The Badgers are a member of the Big Ten Conference, and they finished the 2022 season with a record of 8-4.

Date	Opponent	Location
August 30th	Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders	TCF Bank Stadium
September 20th	South Dakota State Jackrabbits	TCF Bank Stadium
November 29th	Wisconsin Badgers	TCF Bank Stadium

The Final Curtain: Gophers Close the Season at Nebraska

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will wrap up their 2025 regular season on the road against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 29th, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Gophers and Cornhuskers have a long and storied rivalry, dating back to 1890. Minnesota holds a slight edge in the all-time series, with a record of 53-43-7. However, Nebraska has won the last three meetings, including a 23-13 victory in Minneapolis last season.

The 2025 matchup will be the final game between the two schools as Big Ten West Division rivals. Nebraska is set to move to the Big Ten East Division in 2026.

The Gophers will be looking to finish the season on a high note after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Minnesota went 2-10 last year, including a 0-9 record in Big Ten play.

The Cornhuskers are also coming off a tough season, finishing 4-8 in 2024. However, Nebraska showed signs of improvement under new head coach Matt Rhule.

The game is expected to be a close one, as both teams are looking to end the season on a winning note.

Key Players to Watch

Minnesota: QB Tanner Morgan, RB Mohamed Ibrahim, WR Daniel Jackson
Nebraska: QB Casey Thompson, RB Anthony Grant, WR Trey Palmer

Game Information

Date:	Saturday, November 29th, 2025
Time:	11:00 AM CT
Location:	Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
TV:	ESPN

Minnesota Gopher Football Schedule 2025

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team will begin their 2025 season on August 30th at home against the New Mexico State Aggies. The Gophers will then travel to Boulder, Colorado to face the Colorado Buffaloes on September 6th. After a bye week, Minnesota will host the Miami (OH) RedHawks on September 20th. The Gophers will then travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan to face the Michigan Wolverines on September 27th.

After a bye week, Minnesota will open Big Ten play at home against the Purdue Boilermakers on October 11th. The Gophers will then travel to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Wisconsin Badgers on October 18th. Minnesota will then host the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 25th before traveling to West Lafayette, Indiana to face the Purdue Boilermakers on November 1st.

The Gophers will then host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 8th before traveling to Iowa City, Iowa to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 15th. Minnesota will then host the Northwestern Wildcats on November 22nd before traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota to face the Wisconsin Badgers on November 29th.