Gophers look to Drake Lindsey as QB1 after Brosmer’s move to the NFL
The Minnesota program is turning a new page at quarterback after veteran leader Max Brosmer moved on to the NFL and earned a spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent. For 2025, Drake Lindsey steps in as the starting quarterback, with depth options ready to push behind him.
2024 starter and impact
Last season, Brosmer was a steadying presence, guiding Minnesota with leadership and accuracy. He finished seventh in the Big Ten in quarterback rating, protected the football, and delivered one of the best seasons by a Gopher quarterback since Tanner Morgan in 2019. His emergence was widely seen as a portal success story, helping the program stabilize under pressure and set a new standard for the position.
The new starter: Drake Lindsey
Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey will be under center in 2025. A product of Arkansas, Lindsey is 6’5” and 230 pounds, and the staff is clearly bullish on his ceiling. He grew up an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, earned Arkansas’s state player of the year honors, and chose Minnesota over his home state’s SEC option. The staff has pegged him as the unquestioned quarterback1 for the Gophers, a signal that the program’s offense will continue to rely on a strong passing presence with room to grow.
Supporting cast and depth
Lindsey will have a familiar framework behind him in the backfield and at wideout. Behind the redshirt freshman are Dylan Wittke, who transferred from Virginia Tech last year, and Max Shikenjanski, a former walk-on from Stillwater who is now a redshirt freshman. Both have been in the program long enough to understand Greg Harbaugh Jr.’s system and philosophy, adding depth and competition to the quarterback room.
Upgrade or downgrade? A realistic view
There is no doubt this transition represents a shift. The offseason chatter acknowledges the downshift from Brosmer’s high-level efficiency, but it also emphasizes the potential for real growth. Minnesota’s offense has trended toward a run-first approach, relying on decision-making that minimizes turnovers and leverages Lindsey’s physical tools. While he isn’t expected to replicate Brosmer’s 2024 numbers, Lindsey’s ability to complete a high percentage of passes and make smart pre- and post-snap reads will be crucial as the offense aims to stay efficient against tough Big Ten defenses.
Looking ahead: what to watch
– Lindsey’s development in year one: how quickly he adapts to Big Ten defenses, reads defenses accurately, and protects the football.
– The offense’s balance: how the running game complements Lindsey’s skill set and how play-action can open opportunities downfield.
– The QB-room dynamic: Wittke and Shikenjanski provide experienced depth, and their progression could influence how the staff manages Lindsey’s early games.
– Long-term trajectory: the program intends to grow Lindsey into a more polished quarterback by year two, building on the groundwork Brosmer laid during his tenure.
Overall take
Minnesota is betting on a smooth transition with Lindsey, pairing his physical tools and trusted decision-making with a stable, experienced supporting cast. If Lindsey adapts quickly and the run game remains a trusted foundation, the Gophers can maintain a productive offense while continuing to develop a young quarterback for the next era.
Summary
The Gophers are shifting from Brosmer’s proven leadership to Drake Lindsey’s high-ceiling potential, backed by a familiar and patient fallback group. The emphasis on efficient passing and a strong running game aims to keep Minnesota competitive in the Big Ten as Lindsey grows into the starting role.
Additional notes
– The roster already shows a balance of experience and depth, which should help Lindsey ease into the spotlight.
– If Lindsey meets early expectations, Minnesota could see a seamless transition that preserves offensive identity while injecting youthful upside.