If you’re frantically refreshing your feed or checking your sportsbook app to see what time is the gopher football game today, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating: there isn't one. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the University of Minnesota football season is officially in the rearview mirror.
It's that weird limbo period. The holidays are over, the snow is piling up in Minneapolis, and while the NFL is currently dominating the Sunday TV window with the Divisional Playoffs, the college gridiron has gone quiet for almost everyone. Honestly, if you saw "Gophers" and "Today" trending, you probably caught a headline about the basketball team’s tough road loss to Illinois yesterday or the flurry of coaching changes P.J. Fleck just announced.
The Gophers actually wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign a few weeks ago in Phoenix. They took down New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on December 26, finishing the year on a high note with a 20-17 victory. Since then, the pads have been packed away.
Why the Gopher Football Schedule is Empty Right Now
College football isn't like the NFL. There are no Sunday games in the postseason, and the only college game left on the entire national calendar is the CFP National Championship between Indiana and Miami, which kicks off tomorrow night in Florida.
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For Minnesota, the "offseason" is actually the busiest time for the front office. While you're looking for a kickoff time, Coach Fleck is busy rebuilding the staff. Just this week, the program made waves by bringing back legendary running back Mohamed Ibrahim as a coach. It’s a huge move for local morale. Seeing the program's all-time leading rusher back on the sidelines—this time in a headset—is basically the best news fans have had since the bowl win.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
If you’re the type who needs to circle dates on the calendar to get through the winter, here is what the 2026 outlook looks like. We don't have exact kickoff times yet (those usually drop 12 days before the game), but we know the opponents:
- September 3, 2026: Season Opener vs. Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium.
- September 12, 2026: A massive home test against Mississippi State.
- September 19, 2026: Wrapping up the non-conference slate against Akron.
Breaking Down the "Today" Confusion
Sometimes the "what time is the gopher football game today" search spike happens because of the Gopher basketball schedule. The men's team just played No. 13 Illinois on Saturday, January 17. If you're seeing scores for a "Minnesota vs. Illinois" game, that’s almost certainly the hoops squad. They fought hard but ultimately fell 77-67 in Champaign.
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There's also the "Spring Game" factor. We are still a few months away from the annual Maroon and Gold spring showcase. Usually, that happens in late April. It’s the first real chance to see the 17 early enrollees from the 2026 recruiting class who just stepped onto campus this month.
What to Watch Since the Gophers Aren't Playing
Since there is no Gopher football game today, your sports appetite is likely being fed by the NFL. Today is Sunday, January 18, which is a massive day for the pro ranks. The New England Patriots just punched their ticket to the AFC Championship by taking out the Texans.
If you absolutely must have college football, you have exactly 24 hours to wait. The Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes play for all the marbles tomorrow, Monday, Jan 19, at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN. It’s a historic matchup, especially seeing a Big Ten peer like Indiana at the top of the mountain.
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How to Stay Ready for the 2026 Kickoff
The best thing you can do right now is keep an eye on the transfer portal. The Gophers have already been active, bringing in five key additions to shore up the roster. P.J. Fleck is clearly trying to avoid the mid-season slumps that plagued the team in the past.
Actionable Next Steps for Gopher Fans:
- Check the Basketball Schedule: If you need a Gopher fix, the basketball team plays again later this week. They are the only "game today" option for the foreseeable future.
- Monitor Coaching Hires: With Mo Ibrahim and Isaac Fruechte joining the staff, the offensive identity is shifting. Watch for how they integrate these former stars into recruiting.
- Book Your September Hotels: The September 12 game against Mississippi State is going to be a sellout. If you're traveling from out of town, start looking at North Loop or Stadium Village accommodations now before the prices spike.
While the answer to "what time is the gopher football game today" is a disappointing "never," the road to the 2026 season opener is already being paved in the practice facility.