Minnesota Golden Gophers WR Soars Up Gophers’ All-Time Receiving Chart with Illinois Victory

Minnesota Golden Gophers achieved a significant victory against No. 24 Illinois on Saturday, with Daniel Jackson’s fourth-quarter catch not only securing the upset but also creating program history.

Jackson has surpassed Rashod Bateman (2,395) and Ernie Wheelwright (2,434) in program history, now with 2,464 receiving yards in his career.

The milestone was not insignificant, coming during a crucial catch on the sidelines while the Gophers were trailing 17-16 with 8:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Jackson’s 37-yard catch sparked the Minnesota offense and led to a one-yard touchdown throw from Max Brosmer to Jameson Geers, putting the Gophers ahead 22-17 with 5:14 remaining.

In Champaign, Dragan Kesich scored a field goal near the end of the game, and the Gopher defense made crucial plays, including a Luke Altmyer fumble, to secure a 25-17 win for Minnesota.

Heading down the stretch, Jackson has become Minnesota’s primary receiving target with five catches totaling 74 yards. Tutu Atwell ranks second in Minnesota’s history books with 2,640 receiving yards from 1994 to 1997, while Ron Johnson is close behind with 2,877 yards from 1998 to 2001.

Jackson has one additional year of eligibility left. If he decides that he wants to utilize it, he has the potential to climb up the leaderboard, where Tyler Johnson (2016-19) is currently in second place with 3,094 yards and Eric Decker (2006-09) is in first with 3,119 yards.