Northwestern Football Know Your Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Northwestern’s final road game sends the Wildcats to the Twin Cities to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota closed last season 8-5 overall and perfect at home (7-0). Northwestern plays at Huntington Bank Stadium on Nov. 21 for what’s described as the second-to-last game of its regular season. The preview lists Minnesota’s 2025 stats and positioning, including 68% returning production overall, led by 71% on offense and 65% on defense, plus SP+ ranks for 2026 (overall 45th, offense 71st, defense 24th, special teams 125th). It notes a split 2025: 0-5 away while one of the road losses came against top-ranked opponents, contrasted by 7-0 home success.