Minnesota Football 2025 Defensive Preview
Who gets to row the boat?
The Golden Gophers have been an incredibly strong on defense in their first two match ups, but those match ups have been against the University of Buffalo Bulls, and the Northwestern State Demons, respectively. According to their own beat writers, Blake Ruane in particular, Minnesota fans view this game as a measuring stick for their program’s hopes this year, just as much as Cal fans might feel similarly.
Led by P.J. Fleck, Minnesota has taken a step forward in recent years. Currently, he is the fifth winningest coach in program history. In the first two games of the season their defense has given up the least amount of yards in FBS and despite the competition, this is worth noting and showcases a well coached side of the ball, if nothing else.
2024 Defense in Review
Helmed by Defensive Coordinator Corey Hetherman, now at University of Miami
Minnesota retained five starters on defense, most notably Maverick Baranowski
Were ninth in the nation for points allowed, holding opponents to an average of 16.9
2025 Defense
Danny Collins has been elevated from Safeties Coach to Defensive Coordinator, but he is a longtime Fleck acolyte, as well as a program mainstay. This is his ninth year at Minnesota, and his 13th with Fleck.
After the success of Corey Heatherman’s odd front structure, Collins is installing something he’s calling HAVOC which is basically just a long acronym. They’re keeping the 4-3 base that’s been successful for them, with slight adjustments.
While the Golden Gophers have retained some depth, they have lost both Danny Striggow, and Jah Joyner to Sundays (Jaguars 53 man roster and Raiders practice squad, respectively).
Provisional Starters
DE: Anthony Smith (All-Big Ten honorable mention) and Lucas Finnessy
Interior DL: NT – Deven Eastern; DT – Jalen Logan-Redding (pending injury, if he’s out, redshirt senior Rushawn Lawrence is in)
Linebackers: WLB – Devon Williams; MLB – Maverick Baranowski
Secondary: LCB – John Nestor; SS – Koi Perich; FS – Aidan Gousby; RCB – Za’Quan Bryan; NB – Kerry Brown
Players and Personnel to watch
Excellently named, and previously mentioned, Maverick Baranowski is a great tackler and hard nosed player anyone would be happy to have on their team, and would love to avoid as an opposing player. He sees tons of snaps and is expected to be an anchor of this defense.
On the back end of the field, look for Koi Perich, who is listed as a safety, but seems to be showing up all over the field. He’s been generating a lot of buzz for his ability to produce at multiple positions, and he caught five interceptions last year. The two interceptions that have come so far this season, are by his teammate John Nestor, so keep your eyes peeled for him as well.
How Cal Can Win This Game
This will be the first true test for a new offense, on Cal’s part. It’s difficult to prognosticate too much, but the Golden Bears will need to play sound football. It will be important to keep track of the ball, and matriculate downfield with patience. Gopher fans and writers are worried about the team’s ability to score against worthwhile opponents, and Cal would be well off to make these fears into reality. Cal’s offense will need the defense to show up in a big way while their freshman QB deals with their toughest opponent yet.
Pretty simple in the end. Two good defenses. So turnovers, and a few points should decide it. Turnovers, and a few points. Go Bears!
Time to see if the OL actually got better