Gopher Football Holds Spring Practice Open to Fans

Minnesota team looks to build on 8-5 season and bowl game win

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:24am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football practice, with players and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's maroon and gold colors.A conceptual illustration captures the energy and intensity of the Gophers' spring football practice as the team prepares for the upcoming season.Minneapolis Today

The University of Minnesota football team will hold an open spring practice today at 4:30 PM, allowing fans to watch the team prepare for the upcoming 2026 season. The Gophers are coming off an 8-5 campaign in 2025 that included wins over Wisconsin and Nebraska, as well as a bowl game victory over New Mexico.

Why it matters

Spring practices are an important time for college football teams to develop their identity and prepare for the upcoming season. The open practice gives Minnesota fans a rare chance to see their team in action and get a preview of what to expect in the fall.

The details

Today's open practice is the only one scheduled during the Gophers' spring practice period. The team will also hold its annual spring game on April 25th, which is free to the public. Fans attending the spring game are encouraged to bring disposable diapers and wipes, which will be donated to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota.

  • The open practice will take place today, April 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
  • The annual Gopher spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11 AM.

The players

Maverick Baranowski

A senior-to-be linebacker for the University of Minnesota football team.

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What they’re saying

“The team is looking to improve during this spring practice time frame and is hoping to lock into an identity that will help them win football games this fall.”

— Maverick Baranowski, Senior-to-be linebacker

What’s next

Fans can attend the Gophers' annual spring game on April 25th to get another look at the team before the 2026 season begins.

The takeaway

Minnesota's open spring practice gives fans a rare opportunity to see the team prepare for the upcoming season, as the Gophers look to build on their 8-5 record and bowl game win from 2025.