The 2025 NFL scouting combine will be held from February 27 to March 2 at Indianapolis. While these days many see it as more of a gathering for top front office executives to mingle amongst each other and media members about how the NFL offseason will unfold, it’s important to remember that there are still college football players trying to prove to teams around the league that they should be on their draft boards.

Minnesota Gophers receive SIX NFL scouting combine invites

And in 2025, six Minnesota Gophers players received invites to the scouting combine, including QB Max Brosmer, DL Jah Joyner, CB Justin Walley, WR Daniel Jackson and OT Aireontae Ersery. That’s more Golden Gophers to attend a scouting combine than in any other year in program history.

A program record 6️⃣ @NFL Scouting Combine Invitees! Minnesota is one of just 13 programs to have at least six invitees at six different positions 〽️#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/u5Y1WPGnWZ

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 13, 2025

Quarterback, Max Brosmer | 6’2″, 225lb

A graduate transfer out of New Hampshire, Max Brosmer started all 13 games for the Minnesota Gophers in 2024. He set a single-season school record with 268 completions (403 attempts). His passing efficiency was remarkable, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,828 yards (third most in school history) and 18 touchdowns (tied for eighth most) to just 6 interceptions.

Related: Minnesota QB Max Brosmer Gets THE Invite

Brosmer’s performance earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors once and a spot in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he impressed scouts and evaluators in attendance. Max’s transfer in last season transformed the Golden Gophers’ offense faster than anyone thought humanly possible. In 2024, Minnesota averaged 31.7 pass attempts per game, significantly higher than any previous season under PJ Fleck.

Max Brosmer (Minnesota) is probably my favorite Day 3 QB. Absolute machine on intermediate throws and is by far the best anticipatory passer that I’ve watched. I’d draft him just to specialize as my 3rd & medium QB.pic.twitter.com/wJCRgekYKi

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 17, 2025

Defensive End, Jah Joyner | 6’5″, 250lb

Jah Joyner’s combination of speed, power, and technique made him one of the most disruptive defensive linemen on the Minnesota Gophers last season. The junior defensive end racked up 4.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss (32 total tackles) in 2024. He also forced 2 fumbles and 7 pass breakups.

Joyner’s impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team, which helped get him his invite to the combine. According to PFF, Joyner hurried opposing quarterbacks 22 times in 2024, which led the team. He also posted an overall defensive grade of 76.7. Even more impressive is his consistency in both the run and pass — 75.4 both rush defense and pass rush grades.

Wide Receiver, Daniel Jackson | 6’0″, 200lb

The senior Minnesota Gophers wide receiver played in all 12 games, hauling in 75 receptions for 863 yards and 4 touchdowns. He averaged 6.2 receptions per game and 71.9 receiving yards per game, proving himself as far and away the best receiver on the Golden Gophers roster in 2024.

Jackson can play inside, outside and he’s determined in the block game. Daniel is a guy who will go into this draft very much underrated, but his hands and ability to get open will make him a viable candidate for whatever roster he ends up on.

Continuing our top 10 moments of the season countdown, we have our No. 3 moment… when @GopherFootball's Daniel Jackson had this absolutely unreal catch 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/85zSEFYPPl

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 29, 2024

Offensive Tackle, Aireontae Ersery | 6’6″, 320lb

Aireontae Ersery anchored the Minnesota Gophers offensive line at left tackle in 2024, showcasing his strength and athleticism. He started all 13 games last season for the Gophers and he was a key part of an offensive line that helped the Gophers average over 400 yards of total offense per game.

The senior LT posted a 77.5 overall PFF grade, which included a 73.6 grade. He was even better in pass pro, where he posted a 77.3 grade, which demonstrates probably Ersery’s best skill as a blocker. According to PFF, Aireontae allowed just one sack, one QB hit and 10 hurries all season.

Related: Gophers Finish Way Higher than Projected in Final Top 140 of 2024

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Ersery is projected as a potential first or second round draft pick. Mel Kiper (ESPN) has him as his 7th best offensive tackle in the class. Kiper notes Ersery’s ability to “drive defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check”.

Linebacker, Cody Lindenberg | 6’3″, 235lb

Cody Lindenberg was another huge cog in the efficient Minnesota Gophers defense machine in 2024. He tallied 94 total tackles, including 45 solo and 49 assisted, which easily led the team. The closest Gopher behind him was Maverick Baranowski, with 65. Lindenberg also contributed 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

Every NFL team is looking for big 'backers who can run and Minnesota's Cody Lindenberg (6030e, 240e) is one of 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞/𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐬 in this year's LB class.

Checkout #45 run with shallow crosser here👇and then attack downhill with perfect timing for the sack… https://t.co/zHF79GkPhm pic.twitter.com/OJKO77gGlE

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 17, 2024

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lindenberg earned an overall grade of 72.2, with an impressive run defense grade of 79.3 to go with a 66.2 tackle grade and 65.4 pass rush grade. PFF does have him riding the struggle bus in coverage last year, with a 61.1 grade.

Linebacker, Justin Walley | 5’11”, 185lb

Justin Walley had yet another impressive season in 2024, as No. 1 cornerback for the Minnesota Gophers. He recorded 42 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack, to go with his 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and 10 pass breakups.

PFF liked Walley (70.7 overall grade), who played more defensive snaps than any other CB on the Minnesota roster (549). He was especially when he came up to support the run (71.4 grade) and when he dropped back in coverage (70.8 grade).

Related: Another Gophers Football Coach Plucked by NFL Team

Justin Walley will have to improve his tackle skills (56.5 grade) to produce at the next level but there’s no doubt Walley holds all the talent and skills necessary to be a starting CB in the league.

I mean, it took just three to four months for this kid to go from injured incoming freshman — trying to adjust to life away from his smalltown home, two hours up I-35 — to a likely starter on the Gophers defense this Saturday vs UCLA, in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl.

After how well Perich played in the 2nd half vs the No. 11 ranked USC Trojans, racking up 6 tackles, a forced fumble and a game-sealing interception, there’s just no way PJ Fleck can keep him off the field any longer.

THE KID FROM ESKO! #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers

📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/s6y6z7nBU7

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 6, 2024

Sure, he’ll make some mistakes, but those learning experiences will be well worth it later. Koi Perich is a blossoming superstar and it’s time to throw him into the deep end of the pool to see if he can swim by himself. It’s the only test he is yet to take. Well, until the game is over, that is.

Koi Perich still working on his press conference game

One thing Perich has yet to prove, is that he’s ready for the bright lights of the postgame press conference. The true freshman met with media members, after his unbelievable week 6 performance, where he needed some help from senior defensive lineman Jah Joyner, who joined him at the table.

One media member asked if the two of them have ever seen someone be flagged for “imitating brandishing a weapon” like Minnesota Gophers cornerback Justin Walley was on Saturday vs the Trojans. Immediately, Koi started to spout off about how stupid the call was.

Related: PJ Fleck Got Emotional Following Minnesota Gophers Win vs USC

Quickly, Joyner jumped in to slow Perich down. From there, the defensive vet turned to the media and said “we can’t control what the refs say”. It was a cool (and rare) public teaching moment, for the young freshman. Advice that will probably keep him off the referee’s bulletin board in two weeks. It might also have saved a phone call from the Big Ten that PJ Fleck doesn’t want to take. The full transcript is below the video.

This is awesome.

Love Jah Joyner’s reaction to Koi giving an honest answer. Joyner then follows it up and shows his experience with the media with his comment, which then Koi realizes that is what he probably should’ve said. 😂pic.twitter.com/UuBwr8J27d

— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) October 7, 2024

Reporter: “Have you ever heard of a ‘brandishing a weapon’ penalty before?”

Perich: “Nah, that was terrible, that was terrible…”

Joyner [whispering off mic]: ‘Sshhh, don’t say that…’

Joyner [to media chuckling]: “Ummm… we can’t control what the refs say.”

Perich: “Oh yeah…”

Perich is correct: Justin Walley got screwed on that penalty

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why Fleck had a long-standing rule that didn’t allow freshman to speak with media. He wanted them to have a couple years worth of experience. They needed to watch and learn from older teammates, as to not embarrass themselves or the school.

Of course, those days are over. College football is now about making money. And it’s harder to get more brand recognition, if you’re never allowed out in public. That doesn’t mean the true freshman was wrong. In fact, we know Koi Perich was right. The call was bullshit. Still, let Fleck talk to the Big Ten about that.

If you aren’t aware of what this back and forth is about. This question stemmed from a penalty that was called on Justin Walley, after the Minnesota cornerback made a huge play on defense. In celebration, Walley lifted his shirt up to show off an impressive set of abs.

So impressive, in fact, that he was flagged and penalized 15-yards, for a rule just about everyone watching had never heard of. Someday, I too hope to get flagged for “imitating brandishing a weapon” whenever I pull up my shirt. Goals…

"If abs are a weapon then hell yeah, I'm guilty" pic.twitter.com/bDi25y6wXx

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) October 6, 2024

PJ Fleck, Minnesota Gophers needed this win

The Minnesota Gophers moved to 3-3, following one of the biggest wins in modern program history on Saturday, over the No. 11 ranked USC Trojans. How big was the victory? Let’s just say, PJ Fleck celebrated like he had just won a National Championship for a reason.

Not that he needed a big win to save his job, but he needed a big win to steady the boat, which was rocking on a level that he has not witnessed since 2018, prior to firing defensive coordinator, Robb Smith, and promoting then linebackers coach Joe Rossi to replace him.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Gophers in Program Changing Win vs USC

Now, Fleck needs to capitalize on this momentum on the west coast, this weekend. If Minnesota can win their next vs UCLA, suddenly the clouds will start to part on this season, as they enter their bye week, in week 8. Suddenly, games vs Illinois, Penn State and Wisconsin at the end of the season are starting to look more like opportunities, than they are daggers…

But not even the mighty Trojans are unbeatable. They’re 3-1 this season, with their lone loss coming in a 27-27 defeat to Michigan. Notably, that’s the same exact score as Minnesota’s loss to Michigan this past weekend. Maybe the Gophers aren’t as far behind as we think.

Do the Gophers stand a chance this weekend? They may need all of these bold predictions to come true to stand a fighting chance.

Related: 4 Stats To Know For USC Trojans vs Minnesota Gophers In College Football Week 6

Darius Taylor sets new season-high in rushing yards

While Aireontae Ersery may be the top 2025 NFL Draft prospect on the Gophers’ roster, it’s not a stretch to say Darius Taylor is P.J. Fleck’s best player. After missing the team’s season debut with a leg injury, Taylor has been action for the past four games, but he hasn’t always been effective.

After recording 64 and 124 rushing yards in his first two games, Taylor has recorded just 34 and 36 in his past two. Is the Gophers’ star running back hurt? Chances are, he just ran into two of the toughest defenses in the nation, against Iowa and Michigan, both of whom rank in the top six of rushing yards allowed.

Iowa and Michigan allow, on average 66 rushing yards per game. USC allows nearly three times that amount at 150 yards per game. So don’t be shocked if Taylor finishes with a season-high of 125 rushing yards or more.

Related: NFL Draft Analyst Surprisingly Low On USC Trojans QB Miller Moss

Jah Joyner ties career-high with two sacks

Amazingly, the Gophers enter this matchup with the eighth-best pressure rate in college football. Their success hasn’t been due to any one player. Instead, it’s a collective group executing defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s scheme with perfection.

Eight different players have gotten into the sack column for the Gophers this season. Yet, none of them have more than 1.5 sacks. That will change on Saturday, when fifth-year redshirt senior Jah Joyner ties his career-high by recording two sacks on USC’s quarterback Miller Moss.

Related: Who Deserves the Most Blame for Minnesota Gophers Loss @ Michigan?

Koi Perich scores his first touchdown

Star freshman safety Koi Perich hasn’t gotten many opportunities to impress on defense quite yet. He’s only seen the field for a total of 35 snaps. Most of his chances have come on special teams, where he’s played 78 snaps.

While Perich doesn’t see the field on defense often, he is the Gophers’ leading kick and punt returner. This role has allowed him to return six kicks and five punts, and he’s been gaining momentum in these areas in recent weeks. Those who keep a close eye on the Gophers won’t forget his 60-yard punt return against Michigan, but it wasn’t quite enough to bring it back to the house.

KOI PERICH CAN FLY

He picks up a huge return on the punt for @GopherFootball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DS1HyAIyX8

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024

There could be more opportunities for Perich to touch the ball this weekend. Maybe it’s on a punt, maybe it’s a kick, or maybe he even sees more playing time on defense in a blowout. Or, maybe it even happens from Perich getting involved on offense. Either way, it’s time for Perich to score the first college football touchdown of what’s likely to be a special career.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Have a New Coach You Might Recognize

Minnesota Gophers keep final score within seven points

The Gophers may be 2-3 this season, but they’re not as bad as many think. Had Darius Taylor been available for the season opener, and if Dragan Kesich makes just one of his two missed field goals, the Gophers would be 3-2 with a win over North Carolina.

There’s no excuses for the Golden Gophers’ beatdown from Iowa, the Hawkeyes took home the Floyd of Rosedale fair and square. Yet, Coach Fleck does deserve some credit for getting his team within reaching distance against a Michigan team with several future NFL stars.

The USC Trojans are certainly not a team full of average joes. They too successfully recruit some of the best football prospects in the nation. It’s how they’re able to develop stars like Sam Darnold and Jordan Addison into future first-round picks.

Yet the Gophers still have a talented bunch, and they have been sending multiple players to the NFL too. Players like hometown hero Blake Cashman remind us of that fact every Sunday. Do the 2024 Golden Gophers have enough difference-makers on their roster to keep the Trojans close enough for a photo finish? Let’s hope so.

USC Trojans vs Minnesota Gophers score prediction: Trojans 34, Gophers 27

Related: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs USC Trojans: 4 Stats to Know and Why They Matter