Anthony Smith announces return to Gophers for 2026

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos… PHOENIX — Gophers star defensive end Anthony Smith made his big announcement in front of a national TV audience on Friday night. After winning defensive Most Valuable Player in Minnesota’s 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl, the redshirt junior told ESPN he will return to Minnesota for the 2026 season. On Wednesday, Smith told reporters in Arizona he wasn’t sure what his future would …

Gophers pull off walk-off win in Rate Bowl, 20-17 over New Mexico

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos… PHOENIX — A part of Brian Urlacher must have appreciated the defensive rock fight the Rate Bowl turned into on Friday at Chase Field. But the outstanding ex-New Mexico and Chicago Bears linebacker, who was on the Lobos’ sideline, wanted a better outcome. The Gophers edged New Mexico 20-17 in overtime, with quarterback Drake Lindsey throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Smith on the last …