New Gophers QB Tasked With More Responsibilities at LOS

To say that Drake Lindsey has big shoes to fill would be putting it lightly. The reality is that Max Brosmer put up the best season we have seen from a Minnesota Gophers quarterback in recent memory.

Now with the Minnesota Vikings, and already turning heads as part of the backup quarterback situation, Brosmer would love to see his replacement play at a high level. Lindsey knows there is plenty expected of him, and this schedule sets up well for P.J. Fleck’s team to make noise.

Lindsey will be under center later this month against the Buffalo Bulls, and the head coach is handing him plenty of responsibility.

Drake Lindsey trusted early by Minnesota Gophers

After transferring in from New Hampshire, Max Brosmer quickly acclimated to the Division 1 level and showed he was capable of hanging in the Big Ten. Drake Lindsey signed with Minnesota in December 2023, and has waited for his chance. It’s now here and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. told the Star Tribune he’s giving Lindsey everything he can handle.

“He’s doing more [adjustments] at the line of scrimmage than Max was. That’s by design,” Harbaugh said of Lindsey. “He can handle it. It’s exciting because he’s been able to get our offense in great situations.”

With the plan being for Lindsey to spread the ball around, Harbaugh realizes the complexities involved in not having one alpha receiver grab the bulk of the catches. Players must be on board.

“The first talk I gave this year was about being selfless,” Harbaugh said. “We have to be able to understand that someone might come and get you out of the game. They’re in there for that particular reason because they can execute that scheme. That’s where we have to be.”

Star Tribune

Randy Johnson talked with Harbaugh about the plans for Minnesota’s new quarterback. If Lindsey is going to succeed, or even improve upon the foundation that Brosmer laid, then this year is the launching point.

The Big Ten is a gauntlet and Lindsey has a whopping five pass attempts under his belt. The redshirt freshman is excited about leading this team, but he must lean into the direction around him.

Brosmer has continued to be an asset for P.J. Fleck, and he’ll be a sounding board for Lindsey as long as the Arkansas-native wants him to be.

Well well well, look who swung by practice today! 😎 @maxtbro #pROWGophers #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/ysUg1XPkR4

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 5, 2025

Minnesota has been a running back school for some time now. That’s not going to change with Darius Taylor and A.J. Turner in tow. If Lindsey can establish a passing game with a couple of transfers joining Le’Meke Brockington, then this offseason could surprise plenty around the nation.

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Fleck continues to build momentum for the program. He earned yet another extension following the Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory. The trajectory and limit for success this season is even higher.