Which Gophers freshmen could make an impact this season?

Greg Johnson, Matt Kingsbury, and Za’Quan Bryan were impactful contributors last season as first-year players for the Gophers. In 2024, P.J. Fleck recruited his strongest class yet as head coach. So, which incoming freshmen should fans watch closely this season?

1. Koi Perich, S

Esko, Minnesota’s four-star safety Koi Perich elevated to the Gophers’ second-highest-rated recruit in the internet age upon signing. With Tyler Nubin currently in the NFL, the team is on the hunt for the next standout safety. Although Perich didn’t begin early enrollment in spring, it may take some time, but it’s a sure bet that we’ll witness him on the field in some capacity this season.

2. Riley Sunram, DL

Originally from Kindred, North Dakota, Sunram was among four Gophers chosen to participate in the High School All-America Bowl last year. Minnesota faces a shortage of depth in the interior defensive line, so in the event of injuries, he might find himself thrust into action as early as this season.

3. Drake Lindsey, QB

Minnesota underwent significant changes in their quarterback group this offseason. They recruited transfers Max Brosmer from New Hampshire and Dylan Wittke from Virginia Tech, along with incoming freshmen Drake Lindsey and Jeremiah Finaly.

Lindsey, who was named the 2024 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, impressed with a completion rate of 69.6%, 3,916 passing yards, and 52 touchdowns, setting an Arkansas Class 7A record and guiding his team to a state championship. Should Brosmer get injured, Lindsey is expected to contend with Wittke for the starting quarterback position.

4. Brett Caroll, OL

In the previous season, Greg Johnson made a start and accumulated 397 snaps as a true freshman. It’s quite challenging for younger players to establish themselves on a Big Ten offensive line, but Carroll possesses skills comparable to Johnson’s. If there are injuries among the interior linemen, Carroll might be considered as a viable option.

5. Zahir Ranier, S

Despite Perich garnering a lot of attention, Zahir Ranier, a safety from Richmond, Virginia, was somewhat overlooked. The Gophers have a history of giving playing time to true freshmen like Coleman Bryson or Kerry Brown towards the end of the season. Given Minnesota’s youth at the position, there is a possibility for Ranier to see some action as a true freshman.