Run the North | Golden Gophers football

[Caesar]

Another big pickup and a player that sounds perfect for the Big 10

[redsox907]

#RTDB

hope Malik knows how to block

[ShireNiner]

Another big pickup and a player that sounds perfect for the Big 10

Unfortunately, the class has been small so far, but big talent is coming.

#RTDB

hope Malik knows how to block

We are going to add passing into the mix. You will see.

[toysoldier00]

first playoff trip.... only going up from here

[ShireNiner]

Gophers, Mick Smith Agree to 5-Year Extension Ahead of Big Ten Title Game

Mick Smith stays at Minnesota, ready to keep building (ShireNiner PS5 images)

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler, Minnesota Reporter
Mick Smith Extension


MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota isn't waiting for the final whistle of the 2025 season to secure its future.

The school announced Monday that head coach Mick Smith has signed a five-year contract extension, keeping the 43-year-old at the helm of the program through the 2031 season. The deal comes at a pivotal moment, just days before No. 4 Minnesota is set to face USC in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Smith was entering the final year of his initial three-year contract next season. Financial terms were not immediately disclosed, but sources tell ESPN the deal includes a significant raise and a buyout structure designed to keep him in the Twin Cities long-term.

For Smith, the extension is more than just job security; it’s a validation of a homecoming. He is the grandson of the legendary Bruce Smith, the 1941 halfback who remains the only Heisman Trophy winner in Minnesota history.

Since taking over a program that was searching for a consistent identity, Mick Smith has revitalized the Gopher faithful with a brand of football that balances modern explosiveness with the "Power North" physicality his grandfather pioneered.

"Mick doesn't just understand our history; he lives it," Athletics Director Mark Coyle said in a statement. "But he isn't coaching in the past. He has built a top-10 program in the toughest conference in America. We wanted to make sure he’s the one leading us into our new era."

In just two seasons, Smith has compiled a résumé that rivals the best starts in program history. Despite a heartbreaking loss in last year’s Big Ten title game and a narrow defeat in the Citrus Bowl, the trajectory has been undeniably upward.

Overall Record: 19-7 (.731)
Big Ten Record: 15-4
Rivalry Dominance: 6-1 against Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, Nebraska, and Michigan.
Ranking: Minnesota has been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 18 of the 29 weeks under Smith’s tenure.

The timing of the announcement serves as a massive vote of confidence as the Gophers (10-2) prepare for their game with USC. After falling short in Indy a year ago, Smith has his team back on the big stage, powered by a record-breaking season from Heisman-hopeful AJ Turner.

"I’m honored to be here," Smith said. "My family's roots are in this soil, and our team's future is in that stadium. We have a lot of work left to do this week, and I’m glad I’ll be doing it here for a long time."

With the extension signed, Minnesota removes any "coaching carousel" distractions heading into the postseason. At No. 4 in the nation, the Gophers are currently positioned for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff if they can avenge last year's title game loss.

What did you think of this story?

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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Comments

[ShireNiner]

first playoff trip.... only going up from here

Hopefully a playoff trip. If we lose the Big Ten title game, I do not know if they will still put us in.

[djp73]

Go get it

[ShireNiner]

Big Ten Championship: #5 USC vs. #4 Minnesota


Minnesota's defense will have to slow down USC's number 3 offense if the Gophers have a chance (ShireNiner PS5 images.)

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler, Minnesota reporter
Dec 12, 2026 | Big Ten Championship
Time: 8:00 EST
Broadcast: Fox
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN


INDIANAPOLIS — The eyes of the college football world turn to Lucas Oil Stadium. On Saturday night, the Big Ten Championship will serve as a definitive crossroads for two programs that have defined the conference’s new, coast-to-coast era.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-2) arrive in the Circle City seeking the program’s first conference title in the divisional-free era. Fresh off a dominant 52-10 win over Wisconsin and the announcement of a five-year contract extension for head coach Mick Smith, the Gophers carry a tidal wave of momentum. Standing in their way is a USC (11-1) squad that has spent the season validating Lincoln Riley’s defensive overhaul, pairing a top-five scoring defense with an offense that remains the gold standard of the "Air Raid" philosophy.

This championship bout presents a fascinating study in contrasting styles. USC’s defense has evolved into a disciplined, ball-hawking unit that leads the conference in takeaways (26). Their primary objective: neutralize a Minnesota rushing attack that is currently averaging 275.8 yards per game.

The Trojans feature a top-15 run defense, but they have yet to face a tandem quite like Minnesota's. While the Gophers prefer a deliberate, physical pace, USC thrives on tempo and explosive playmaking. The game will likely be decided in the trenches—specifically, whether Minnesota’s offensive line can win the point of attack against a USC front seven that has recorded 35 sacks on the season.

Saturday’s matchup features three of the nation’s top six Heisman Trophy candidates, providing a high-stakes platform for the final weekend of the regular season.

AJ Turner (RB, Minnesota): The most prolific rusher in the country, Turner enters Indy with 1,960 yards. Needing just 40 yards to hit the 2,000-yard milestone, he is the engine of the Gopher offense and a perennial threat to break long-distance runs.

Jayden Maiava (QB, USC): The conductor of the Trojan offense has been nearly surgical, throwing for 3,816 yards with 38 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. His efficiency on third downs is a major reason USC ranks #3 nationally in conversion rate.

Jakobi Lane (WR, USC): A matchup nightmare for any secondary, Lane’s 14 receiving touchdowns and elite verticality will test a Minnesota pass defense that has struggled with consistency throughout the year.

The Gophers’ path to victory lies in a sustained ground assault. By utilizing AJ Turner and Fame Ijeboi to orchestrate long, methodical drives, Minnesota can effectively "ice" the USC offense on the sideline. If the Gophers can convert on fourth down—a situation where they have found success 68% of the time this year—they can dictate the rhythm of the game and wear down the USC pass rush.

The Trojans must force Minnesota into "obvious" passing situations. If USC can limit the Gophers' early-down rushing success, they can unleash their aggressive defensive front. AJ Brand has shown he can win in hostile environments, but he remains vulnerable to pressure. If USC can rattle the pocket and capitalize on their 26-takeaway pedigree, the Trojans could turn this into a one-sided affair.

USC enters as the betting favorite, backed by a balanced roster and a defense that ranks #3 in the nation in points allowed. However, the emotional stakes for Minnesota cannot be overstated. With Mick Smith’s future secured and the memory of last year’s title game loss fresh in their minds, the Gophers have the motivation and the "Power North" identity to pull off the upset.

Team Leaders
Passing
AJ Brand - 197/317, 62%, 1992 yds, 17 TDs, 8 INTs, Sacked 14 times
Jayden Maiava - 346/496, 69%, 3,816 yds, 38 TDs, 3 INTs, Sacked 11 times

Rushing
AJ Turner, RB, 296 att, 1,960 yds, 6.6 avg, 20 TDs
Fame Ijeboi, RB, 124 att, 732 yds, 5.9 avg, 3 TDs
Waymond Jordan, RB, 174 att, 906 yds, 5.2 avg, 11 TDs

Receiving
Kenric Lanier II, WR, 44 rec, 507 yds, 4 TD
Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, 124 rec, 1,325 yds, 14 TD
Devin McCuin, WR, 75 rec, 936 yds, 11 TD

Defense
Aidan Gousby, MIKE, 86 Tkls, 15 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 3 INTs
Kerry Brown, SS, 77 Tkls, 7 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INTs
Emmanuel Karmo, REDG 36 Tkls, 20 TFL, 12.5 sacks
Mitch Horan, LEDG, 63 Tkls, 20 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT

Marcelles Williams CB, 74 Tkls, 6 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs
Christian Pierce, SS, 54 Tkls, 5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs
Isaiah Glasker, SAM, 47 Tkls, 18 TFL, 14 sacks,
Kameryn Fountain, REDG, 41 Tkls, 18 TFL, 10 sacks

What did you think of this story?

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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Comments

[toysoldier00]

first playoff trip.... only going up from here

Hopefully a playoff trip. If we lose the Big Ten title game, I do not know if they will still put us in.

better show out then, haha.

[djp73]

Minnesota vs USC in the B10 Championship game still feels weird man