Gophers blanked in preseason AP poll, draw only two ranked teams

Minnesota's favorable 2025 schedule was emphasized in Monday's preseason AP Top 25.

Nov 18, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P. J. Fleck talks in his headset during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Gophers did not receive a single vote in Monday's preseason Associated Press (AP) top 25 poll. On the plus side, only two of Minnesota's 2025 opponents are ranked.

Preseason AP Top 25

Ranking	Team
1	Texas
2	Penn State
3	Ohio State
4	Clemson
5	Georgia
6	Notre Dame
7	Oregon
8	Alabama
9	LSU
10	Miami (FL)
11	Arizona State
12	Illinois
13	South Carolina
14	Michigan
15	Florida
16	SMU
17	Kansas State
18	Oklahoma
19	Texas A&M
20	Indiana
21	Ole Miss
22	Iowa State
23	Texas Tech
24	Tennesse
25	Boise State

Other receiving votes: BYU 156, Utah 144, Baylor 132, Louisville 90, USC 64, Georgia Tech 63, Missouri 33, Tulane 23, Nebraska 23, UNLV 21, Toledo 13, Auburn 10, James Madison 9, Memphis 9, Florida State 8, Duke 6, Navy 5, Liberty 5, Iowa 5, TCU 4, Pittsburgh 3, Army 2, Louisiana 1, Colorado 1

Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Gophers On SI newsletter

Takeaways

The Gophers receiving zero votes in the preseason AP top 25 shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. With a redshirt freshman quarterback, a new defensive coordinator and a lot of new wide receivers, it's easy to understand why the national media is taking a wait-and-see approach with Minnesota this season.

The biggest thing that stands out from the local perspective is that the Gophers will play only two teams ranked in the preseason poll: Ohio State and Oregon. Nebraska and Iowa are the only other teams they face that received votes in the poll. A lot of people have talked about how favorable Minnesota's slate is this season, and that has been supported by the rankings.

Other thoughts

It's hard to argue with the teams in the top 11 of the poll. You could have a preference on order, but it seems like the right group. Some other teams that could be ranked too high include Illinois, Michigan and South Carolina. Most teams have questions to answer at this point in the preseason, but I would be surprised if any of those teams outperform their preseason ranking.

Ultimately, there aren't any rankings that are too egregious in the preseason poll. Big brands will always get the benefit of the doubt from the national media, and this year is no different. USC and Nebraska are two perfect examples of teams that received some respect in the 'others receiving votes' category, but they might have more questions to answer than Minnesota.

It's really easy to poke holes in preseason rankings, but luckily, the games will start to kick off later this month, and we'll be able to learn who is right and wrong. Minnesota's first game against a ranked opponent will come on Oct. 4 at No. 3 Ohio State.