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Gophers players celebrate taking Paul Bunyan's Axe
Gophers football players race to Paul Bunyan's Axe to celebrate after a 24-7 win at Wisconsin on Friday to close out the regular season 7-5.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The University of Minnesota football team is getting ready for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Late last week, the Gophers announced their 2025 regular season schedule. Here is an early look at the 12-game season.
Aug. 28 – BUFFALO
What we know: The Gophers continue their annual tradition of opening the season Thursday night under the lights at Huntington Bank Stadium. They’ll face Buffalo out of the MAC. The Bulls went 8-4 this season, including 6-2 in league play.
Sept. 6 – NORTHWESTERN STATE
Why it matters: The Gophers host Northwestern State to close out home non-conference play. The Demons went 0-12 this past season and are in the Southland Conference. This is a game for P.J. Fleck and company that reserves should be playing in the second half.
Sept. 13 - @ California
What we know: The Gophers head west for their non-conference finale, facing California. The Bears moved to the ACC in conference realignment this season and went 6-6 overall, and 2-6 in league play. It’ll be a Power Five test for Minnesota before entering Big Ten play.
Sept. 20 – BYE
Why it matters: The Gophers get an early week off after three straight games.
Sept. 27 – RUTGERS
Why it matters: The Gophers open Big Ten play against Greg Schiano and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Huntington Bank Stadium. Athan Kaliakmanis led Rutgers to a win over Minnesota this year in Piscataway. It’s an early must-win game, with the Gophers heading to Ohio State the following week.
Oct. 4 - @ Ohio State
What we know: Minnesota faces a tall task, facing Ohio State in Columbus. The Buckeyes went 10-2 and are in the College Football Playoff. The Gophers lost to Ohio State in the 2021 season opener, and lost 37-3 two seasons ago.
Oct. 11 – PURDUE
What’s at stake: The Gophers are back home to face a Purdue squad that went 1-11 this season, 0-9 in the Big Ten and fired head coach Ryan Walters after the season. It’s another game where if the Gophers have aspirations of a good season, it’s one they have to win.
Oct. 18 – NEBRASKA
Why it matters: The Gophers get their second straight Big Ten home game, hosting Nebraska. Fleck is 5-0 against the Cornhuskers, last beating them 13-10 to open the 2023 season. The two teams did not meet in 2024. It hasn’t been the start Matt Rhule had hoped for. He’s 11-13 in his first two seasons, and 6-12 in the Big Ten.
Oct. 25 - @ Iowa
What’s at stake: The Gophers head to Iowa City to take on rival Iowa in the battle for Floyd of Rosedale. Minnesota had a 14-7 lead on the Hawkeyes this year at half before losing, 31-14. Fleck got his first win over Kirk Ferentz in 2023, and will be looking to bring Floyd back to Minneapolis.
Nov. 1 – MICHIGAN STATE
Why it matters: Fleck has a reunion of sorts with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, who is now at Michigan State. The Spartans went 5-7 this season, and 3-6 in Big Ten play. Fleck is 2-1 against the Spartans with the Gophers, most recently getting a 27-12 win in 2023.
Nov. 8 – BYE
Why it matters: The Gophers get their second bye and will likely need it after six straight games.
Nov. 15 - @ Oregon
Why it matters: The Gophers travel to Eugene and face one of the top programs in all of college football. Oregon went 13-0 to win the Big Ten this year and is the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff. It’s Fleck’s first time facing the Ducks, thanks to Big Ten expansion.
Nov. 22 – Northwestern @ Wrigley Field
Why it matters: The Gophers head to Northwestern, and play a late November Big Ten game at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The conditions could be interesting. Fleck and the Gophers should be motivated. In 2023, Minnesota had a three-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter and lost in overtime.
Nov. 29 – WISCONSIN
What’s at stake: The Gophers and Badgers end the regular season in the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Minnesota beat Wisconsin 24-7 this year to reclaim the Axe, and eliminate the Badgers from bowl contention. Fleck has beaten the Badgers four times.