Handing out Gophers midseason awards to the biggest standouts and flops

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Believe it or not, the 2026-27 college football season has already flown by, and we’re at the halfway point of Minnesota’s regular-season slate. Let’s hand out some midseason superlatives, recognizing the Gophers’ biggest stars, surprises, and disappointments.

MVP: Greg Johnson, IOL

The Gophers’ offensive line has been tested this season with injuries to starting center Ashton Beers, reserve Jaden Ball and backup center Brett Carroll. Without Johnson’s versatility, things could’ve gone off the rails. His 80.3 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade is the highest on Minnesota’s offense, and his leadership has held the entire O-line together.

Biggest disappointment: Darius Taylor, RB

Taylor looked like a future superstar as a true freshman, averaging 5.8 yards per carry for 799 total yards. He put it all together in year two with more than 1,200 yards from scrimmage, but we haven’t seen that player in a while.

He suffered an injury in Week 2 against Mississippi State, and his big-play ability hasn’t been there. He has 50 total carries for just 98 yards against FBS competition this season. He has provided plenty of great moments for Gophers football, but it hasn’t been there this season.

Best offensive player: Drake Lindsey

After averaging 35.0 points in the first four games, Minnesota’s offense has struggled over the last two weeks. For the sake of not doubling up with Johnson winning multiple awards, Lindsey willed Minnesota’s offense to a win against Washington on the road, so it’s hard to go with anyone else for best offensive player. He objectively struggled against Michigan and Purdue, but he has made plays when the offense has needed them most all season.

Best defensive player: Maverick Baranowski, LB

Minnesota’s defense has looked great in its wins but horrible in its losses. Baranowski’s moment with Fleck after beating Washington is memorable for many reasons, but he has been the best player on the defense all season. His 45 total tackles are the most on the team and fourth-most in the Big Ten.

Biggest concern: Greg Harbaugh Jr., OC

This is Harbaugh’s fourth season calling offensive plays for Minnesota, and their offense has the same issues it did in year one. Their 28.8 points per game would be the most since he was hired, but that includes two offensive explosions against Akron and Eastern Illinois. The run game continues to get worse, as their 104.8 rushing yards per game ranks 127th in the country.

Best transfer: Noah Jennings, WR

Minnesota has had a much-improved transfer portal class this season, with major contributions from TJ Bush Jr., Aydan West, TJ Thomas and more, but Jennings has been the best. His 29 catches for 360 yards both rank second-most on the team, and he has added another playmaker to the Gophers’ offense.

Transfer portal flop: Perry Thompson, WR

When Minnesota landed Thompson in the portal, he was considered a top 250 transfer prospect in the country, and one of the Gophers’ best. The former four-star high school prospect and Auburn standout has been a transfer portal flop. He hasn’t played a single snap this season, and there’s plenty of reason to question his long-term future with the program.

Best position coach: Isaac Fruechte, WRs

When grading a position coach, getting the most out of the talent they have should be among the most important traits. There isn’t a coach on Minnesota’s staff who has done that better than Fruechte. Players from his first high school recruiting class have already hit the ground running, and Jennings was clearly a transfer portal steal. Minnesota’s wide receiver room has performed at a level this season that the program hasn’t seen in a while.

Surprise player: Joey Gerlach, LB

With Devon Williams out of eligibility, it appeared that Matt Kingsbury and promising freshman Emmanuel Karmo would be the Gophers’ second and third linebackers this fall alongside Baranowski. Gerlach has crashed the party with 27 total tackles, one sack and four QB pressures. He never played more than 100 defensive snaps in a season, and he was coming off a season-ending injury in 2025, so his ascension to defensive difference-maker has certainly been a surprise.

Best freshman: Quayd Hendryx, WR/KR

If it weren’t for injuries, Ryan Estrada or Hayden Moore might’ve run away with the best freshman distinction, but players like Hendryx have taken advantage of the extra opportunities. The Burlington Township, N.J., native has two receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown, but he also has 10 kick returns for 228 yards. It’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him.

This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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