‘Big steps of a quarterback’s development’ — Vikings QB Max Brosmer’s imprint on Golden Gophers football program continues to shine

He’s had a tremendous impact on the program in such a short time

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) makes a pass against Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football program has one of the more exciting young quarterbacks in all of college football in redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey. He completed 31/41 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns, including leading the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, led by former Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.

It’s no secret that the Gophers truly believe in Lindsey as the future of the football program, but their faith is rooted in his experience as a true freshman last season with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer

P.J. Fleck continues to credit Max Brosmer for Drake Lindsey’s success

The game was an impressive one for the Gophers. They found themselves down 14-0 early and 28-24 late in the fourth quarter. Lindsey led them to the game-winning touchdown drive, and it was his poise that stood out. He didn’t look like a true freshman, and head coach P.J. Fleck credits that to Brosmer.

“I don’t think Max ever allowed Drake to be a true freshman,” said Fleck after defeating Rutgers. “He meant attached to his hip. You’re gonna be the future of this program. If you’re gonna learn from me, you’re not just going to observe. You’re not just gonna kind of learn from me. I’m gonna hold you accountable to learn everything that I know you’re going to work and learn how to work as an elite player.”

Brosmer was at the University of Minnesota for just one season after transferring from New Hampshire. Even so, the impact he’s made on Lindsey has been felt the entire season, including in the season opener when Fleck gave Brosmer a game ball.

“As I’m watching Drake, it’s very similar. It just happens to be four years earlier than when we had Max, and it’s just it’s fun to work with him,” said Fleck. “He comes from an unbelievable family, Brooke, JD, Amy, they’re just incredible people. They raise an unbelievable son who loves the work, loves ball, and loves his teammates. He’s so fun to be around, as you all know, he doesn’t seem like a freshman.

“I think Drake’s done a tremendous job. I thought Drake led the team better than he did at Cal. That was a big step in his leadership. He was over on the defensive side. He was over on the offensive side. He got in the huddle in action. Instead of me going to the huddle, I said, ‘You got him.’ And then he got in there and took control of the sideline huddle and told him what we were going to do. Those are big steps at a quarterback’s development.”

Getting the win over Rutgers was huge for the Gophers, as Lindsey now has one Big Ten game under his belt before the most difficult test of the season, as they head on the road to face the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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