Gophers Spring Game 2026: Live Updates, Big Plays, Standout Performers

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Minnesota is hosting its first traditional outdoor Saturday spring game without any restrictions since 2017. It's a great opportunity for fans to get an extended look at the Gophers' 2026 roster. Here are some live updates from Saturday's showdown between Team Gold and Team Maroon.
9:42 a.m. - Gophers conduct Ski-U-March into the stadium
Spring Game Ski U March ✅
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) April 25, 2026
🔜 FOOTBALL AT HBS #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/oa6Bsyvo9p
10:29 a.m. - Game set to go on as scheduled, despite rainy weather
The Gophers have had horrible luck with weather during the spring game over the last decade, but it appears that a rainy forecast will not stop the 2026 game.
GATES ARE OPEN‼️
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) April 25, 2026
The 2026 Spring Game kicks off on @BigTenNetwork and @KFAN1003 at 11 a.m.!#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/57dNgikGbI
11:17 a.m. - Drake Lindsey bomb sets up first TD of the game
Lindsey launched a beautiful deep ball on his first pass attempt of the game to Cincinnati transfer wide receiver Noah Jennings for 73 yards. A touchdown from redshirt freshman running back Grant Washington gave Team Gold an early 7-0 lead.
74 YARD DEEP BALL‼️@Drakelindsey5 shows off his arm strength and finds @TheNoahJennings 🚀 #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) April 25, 2026
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/Ypsd8xJg8I
11:24 a.m. - Huntington Bank Stadium crowd midway through the first quarter
The Gophers' spring game wasn't publicized very well leading up to Saturday, and it resulted in a relatively light crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Gophers spring game crowd midway through the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. pic.twitter.com/LQBWsbq4sL
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) April 25, 2026
11:31 a.m. - RS freshman K Daniel Jackson drills a 51-yard field goal, Team Gold leads 10-0
Jackson finds himself in a kicking competition with Michigan transfer Beckham Sunderland, and he made a statement to end the first quarter with a 51-yard field goal.
11:41 a.m. - Lindsey's spring game ends after two drives
Lindsey's led Team Gold to a pair of scoring drives and 10 points before his spring game ended. He finished the day completing 4 of his 5 pass attempts for 89 yards. He added one carry for eight yards as well.
Drake Lindsey's spring game appears to be over after two scoring drives
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) April 25, 2026
4/5, 89 yards
1 carry, 8 yards
11:58 a.m. - Team Maroon finally gets on the board to make it 10-7
Max Shikenjanski played the entire first half, and he put together his best drive before heading into the locker room. His team went 11 plays and 82 yards down the field, and he found Javon Tracy for a touchdown.
The Maroon Team responds 🔥@MaxShikenjanski connects with @javon_tracy from three yards out to make it 10-7! #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) April 25, 2026
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/cGFNxsq9Xp
12:02 p.m. - Team Gold lead 10-7 at halftime
Halftime at Huntington Bank Stadium
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) April 25, 2026
Team Gold: 10
Team Maroon: 7
Impressive drive from Max Shikenjanski and Javon Tracy to end the half. Xavier Ford and Owen Lansu are two underclassmen who've stood out. pic.twitter.com/2A9X2tZtxL
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Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.
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