PHOENIX — As the Minnesota Gophers prepare for the Rate Bowl against New Mexico on December 29, 2025, offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh highlighted key moments from quarterback Drake Lindsey’s impressive regular season. Lindsey, a redshirt freshman, completed 63% of his passes, totaling 2,235 yards, with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. His performance ranks him among the top ten in single-season statistics in the Gophers’ history.
Harbaugh expressed his vision for Lindsey’s development, stating, “I want him to always go out there and be feared.” This mindset is crucial as the Gophers aim to build on their successful season and enter the 2026 campaign with momentum.
One of Harbaugh’s standout moments came from the Gophers’ 31-28 victory over Rutgers on September 27, 2025. In that game, Lindsey executed a guard-pull play-action pass that resulted in a touchdown throw to wide receiver Le’Meke Brockington. The pass showcased Lindsey’s ability to read the field creatively. Harbaugh noted, “I can tell you how many times I said to Drake to throw the post on that: Zero. He saw the grass and threw it. It’s that type of throw.”
Lindsey’s instincts and adaptability were evident in that game, where he tied the score in a crucial moment. “That’s not necessarily a read in the play,” Lindsey remarked about the touchdown pass. “It’s kind of a clear-out route. I just kind of felt the space and trusted Le’Meke to be there.”
Beyond that notable touchdown, Lindsey’s performance included a remarkable 78-yard completion to Jalen Smith, marking the longest pass play of the season for the Gophers. This key play helped spark a comeback after the team fell behind early.
In addition to his notable highlights against Rutgers, Harbaugh praised Lindsey for a critical third-down conversion during a two-minute drill in the 23-20 overtime win against Michigan State on November 1, 2025. Lindsey demonstrated precision and timing by releasing the ball before Brockington made his break, a testament to his growing trust in his receivers.
Another significant moment came in a loss to Northwestern on November 22, where Lindsey connected with Javon Tracy for a touchdown. Harbaugh explained that Lindsey’s ability to throw before Tracy was even looking showcased his exceptional decision-making skills. “He threw it before Javon was looking,” Harbaugh said. “Javon made a great catch.”
While the Gophers experienced triumphs, Lindsey also faced challenges, such as a tough outing against Iowa on October 25, where he threw three interceptions in a 41-3 defeat. Reflecting on the season, Lindsey acknowledged, “There’s a few throws that you know you always want again, and maybe not have thrown your best, but maybe threw your best as well.”
Lindsey’s arm talent was evident from the outset of the season, as former Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan remarked, noting an impressive sideline throw to Koi Perich in a 23-10 victory over Buffalo on August 28, 2025. This early success set the tone for Lindsey’s season and highlighted his potential.
As the Gophers look forward to the Rate Bowl, Lindsey continues to emphasize the importance of trust in his abilities. Harbaugh reiterated the necessity of fostering that confidence, saying, “You want to continue to build off of it. You want to continue to let him know, ‘OK, you can make any throw.’”
In a light-hearted moment during a press conference, Lindsey was asked about his favorite run, a humorous nod to his noteworthiness for his passing rather than rushing. He recalled a pivotal play during the overtime win against Michigan State, where a decisive stiff arm helped him reach the end zone. “Probably the Michigan State one. That was a cool experience,” Lindsey said, while recognizing the need for improvement in his rushing game.
As the Gophers prepare to face New Mexico, Lindsey’s evolving skills and Harbaugh’s strategic guidance will be crucial for the team’s ambitions in the Rate Bowl and beyond.
