Minnesota's Jaylen Crocker-Johnson Out Indefinitely, Season in Jeopardy

Gophers forward suffers foot injury, joins two other starters on sideline

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Minnesota forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is out indefinitely with a foot injury, putting the rest of his season in serious jeopardy. Crocker-Johnson is the third opening night starter for the Gophers to go down with an injury, leaving the team with just 10 healthy players and only seven scholarship players on the roster.

Why it matters

The Gophers have already been dealing with a short-handed roster since November, and Crocker-Johnson's injury is a major blow as they try to make a push in the final stretch of the season. Minnesota has still managed to pick up some impressive wins, but the loss of their starting big man will make it even more challenging to compete in the Big Ten.

The details

Crocker-Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, has missed the last two games with the foot injury. He joins point guard Chansey Willis Jr. and center Robert Vaihola as opening night starters who are currently sidelined. With just five regular-season games remaining, Crocker-Johnson's season could be over.

  • Crocker-Johnson has missed the last two games with the foot injury.
  • Minnesota has just five regular-season games remaining.

The players

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A starting forward for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Chansey Willis Jr.

A starting point guard for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who has been out since November with an injury.

Robert Vaihola

A starting center for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who has been out since November with an injury.

Grayson Grove

A redshirt freshman who has stepped up with increased playing time due to the Gophers' injury issues.

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What they’re saying

“Crocker-Johnson (foot) is out indefinitely, coach Niko Medved said Friday.”

— Niko Medved, Head Coach (Twitter)

What’s next

The Gophers' first game without Crocker-Johnson will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT against Rutgers at Williams Arena.

The takeaway

Minnesota's injury woes have put a major strain on their roster, leaving them with just 10 healthy players and only seven scholarship players available. Crocker-Johnson's indefinite absence is a significant blow as the Gophers try to make a push in the final stretch of the season, but they've shown resilience in picking up some big wins despite the adversity.