What are Minnesota's chances to make the College Football Playoff?

Less than a 1% chance, according to the A to Z Sports model (6,000 simulated seasons, updated October 18, 2026). The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 4-2 (2-1 in the Big Ten). Chance of a first-round bye: less than 1%. Chance to win the national title: less than 1%.

What does Minnesota need to make the playoff?

Minnesota makes the playoff in less than 1% of simulated seasons. Even at 9-3, it gets in only 7% of the time. The biggest game left is at Indiana (Sat, Oct 31, Week 9): a win puts Minnesota at 5%, a loss at less than 1%.

Who should Minnesota fans root for?

No single result elsewhere moves Minnesota's playoff odds by a full point right now — Minnesota's own games matter most.

Can Minnesota win the Big Ten?

Minnesota reaches the Big Ten Championship in 1% of simulated seasons and wins the conference in less than 1%. Ties for a title-game spot are broken with the Big Ten's official tiebreakers.

2026 season · Week 8

Minnesota Golden Gophers Playoff Chances

Updated October 18, 2026 · Based on 6,000 simulated seasons

Minnesota (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) has less than a 1% chance to make the 12-team College Football Playoff, less than a 1% chance to win the Big Ten and less than a 1% chance to win the national title, according to the A to Z Sports model (6,000 simulated seasons, updated October 18, 2026). Projected regular-season wins: 5.3. Biggest game left: at Indiana (Sat, Oct 31, Week 9) — a win puts Minnesota at 5%, a loss at less than 1%.

Minnesota Golden Gophers odds (October 18, 2026)
Make the College Football Playoff	<1%
Win the Big Ten	<1%
Reach the conference championship	1%
First-round bye	<1%
Reach the semifinals	<1%
Win the national title	<1%