Is Drake Lindsey the real deal? That was the burning question on every Gophers fan’s mind before the season began. Everyone was eager to see how the redshirt freshman quarterback would fare in his debut as a starter.
Through the first four games, it’s clear Minnesota has a gem at quarterback.
In his first Big Ten start, Lindsey shone brightly in a thrilling 31-28 victory over Rutgers. He posted a career-high 75.6% completion rate, 324 passing yards, and three touchdowns. When the Gophers needed their quarterback to rise to the occasion, Lindsey delivered in a big way.
2025 stats: 4 games (min. 100 dropbacks)
- Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade: 90.2 (2nd in FBS)
- Completion percentage: 65.8% (51st)
- Passing yards: 958 (66th)
- Yards per attempt: 8.2 (43rd)
- Average depth of target (adot): 9.8 (24th)
- Turnover worthy play percentage: 1.8% (tied for 8th)
Most young quarterbacks struggle with ball security, but Drake Lindsey has just two turnover-worthy plays in 123 dropbacks this season, per PFF, compared to Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis, who had four in one game against Minnesota. Lindsey’s ability to avoid costly mistakes is his most promising trait.
Lindsey and the Gophers face a tough road test at Ohio State, but his second-half breakout against Rutgers suggests Minnesota has a quarterback who can win. With three years of eligibility left after 2025, the Fayetteville native is surrounded by young talent like Koi Perich and Jalen Smith, and the program must build around him.
Minnesota lacks a history of elite quarterback play compared to other power conference teams. Yet, through four games, Lindsey is passing every test and could reshape the narrative around Golden Gophers football.
Source: SI.com
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