Joe Nelson

Joined: Nov 15, 2023

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Jan 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Braeden Carrington (0) celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Football

From transfer portal activity to major opportunities in hoops and hockey, Minnesota has plenty to look forward to this month.

Sep 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Karter Menz (11) tackles Northwestern State Demons running back Kolbe Burrell (3) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Football

Shortly after news broke Thursday night that star safety Koi Perich is entering the transfer portal, another report gave Minnesota fans some relief as defensive end Karter Menz has agreed to a new contract.

Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Football

Big news on Christmas Eve as Gophers reporter Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press says standout running back Darius Taylor isn't sure if he'll return to Minnesota for his senior season.

Dec 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Cade Tyson (10) drives to the basket against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Basketball

Cade Tyson, the Big Ten's leading scorer, led Minnesota with 24 points in a 78-50 win over Campbell at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.

The Gophers celebrate in the NCAA Tournament against Iowa State.

Gophers Volleyball

Minnesota volleyball is in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022, and they now have a chance to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2021.

The Gophers celebrate after a goal in a 6-3 win at Ohio State.

Gophers Hockey

After an ugly start to the season, the Minnesota Gophers men's hockey team has found its stride, and Thursday night's road win at Ohio State was its sixth victory in the last eight games.

Now-former Gophers quarterback Jackson Kollock.

Gophers Football

Jackson Kollock, a former four-star prospect who was the third-ranked player in the Gophers' 2025 recruiting class, announced Thursday that he's entering the transfer portal.

Dec 3, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Isaac Asuma (1) celebrates his three point basket against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Basketball

Minnesota's shocking win over No. 22 Indiana on Wednesday night was one for the ages. How did they do it?

Nov 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Isaac Asuma (1) controls the ball as Chicago State Cougars guard Marcus Tankersley (4) defends during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers Basketball

There are 143 teams ahead of Minnesota in the initial NET rankings released by the NCAA on Monday, including crosstown neighbor St. Thomas.

Cathedral Catholic High School quarterback Brady Palmer.

Gophers Football

Brady Palmer, a quarterback from San Diego, Cali., committed to the Gophers on Saturday night.

Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Gophers Football

One year ago, Max Brosmer was leading the Gophers to an upset win over No. 11 USC and nearly leading Minnesota over then-No. 4-ranked Penn State. Now he's preparing for what could be his first NFL start when the Vikings visit the Seahawks on Sunday.

Gophers Football

The college football merry-go-round has hit the Golden Gophers with running back recruit Jett Walker flipping his commitment to Texas over the weekend.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Nov 15, 2023

Braeden Carrington answered Minnesota boos with threes and postgame words

Gophers making dramatic climb up the important NET rankings

Purdue running back with 4 years of eligibility reportedly signs with Gophers

Gophers fire co-offensive coordinator Matt Simon, add 2 former stars to coaching staff

Gophers Football

Five things we want to see from Gophers sports in January 2026

Gophers Football

Karter Menz returning to Gophers in 2026, giving Minnesota Big Ten's top sack duo

Gophers Football

Star running back unsure if he'll return to Gophers in 2026

Gophers Basketball

Cade Tyson scores 24 as Gophers crush Campbell for 7th win

Gophers Volleyball

Minnesota advances to Sweet 16 in NCAA volleyball tournament

Gophers Hockey

Gophers stay hot at Ohio State as mega-gauntlet looms after holiday break

Gophers Football

Former 4-star quarterback is leaving the Gophers in the transfer portal

Gophers Basketball

Can the severely shorthanded and undersized Gophers pull another upset?

Gophers' ugly start reflected in initial NET rankings

QB with offers from Ohio State and other top programs commits to Gophers

Max Brosmer may be on the verge of making Gophers history with the Vikings

Weeks after flipping to Minnesota, running back recruit flips again to Texas