Happy August, Gopher fans!
We’ve officially entered a month with Gopher sports back on the calendar. Both soccer and volleyball kick off their seasons this month, and while the Daily will be on a break, we’ll be back with full coverage when the fall semester begins.
Football season is also getting closer. P.J. Fleck spoke at Big Ten Media Days this week and gave fans plenty to look forward to, including potentially incorporating Norway’s viking row chant this season.
Here’s some of our preseason football content (plus plenty of hockey stories) to keep you busy.
Until next time, ski-u-mah,
Samantha Roering | Sports Editor | [email protected]
In the Spotlight
The Gophers look to prepare for the upcoming season with a slew of new talent. | Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota.
Gopher football leaders step up as new players adapt to team culture
by Logan Reitzner | July 26, 2026
With the addition of 50 new players from the transfer portal and the freshman class, the Minnesota Gophers football team is looking to create competition, developing a strong connection and chemistry between teammates in the process.
The team welcomed 19 transfer players from various colleges, as well as 31 freshman recruits for the upcoming season. These new players are fighting for returning players’ positions. Starting is not guaranteed. This competition has turned team leaders and veterans into mentors, initiating new players into the culture of Gopher football.
From the Bullpen
New hockey outreach program aims to grow diversity, despite slow start
By Isabel Tifre | A&E Reporter
Minneapolis Hockey Association’s “Take Back the Ice” program’s first meeting drew no children, but program leaders are hopeful it will have a transformative impact.
Taylor Heise has built the hockey camp she always dreamed of
By Samantha Roering | Sports Editor
At Ridder Arena, Heise’s second annual TH27 camp blended skill development with the lessons she has learned throughout her own hockey journey.
Sons of Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen prepare to join the Gophers this fall
By Regan Guirguis | Sports Reporter
Wyatt and Brooks Cullen are two of seven freshmen set to join the Gopher men’s hockey team for the 2026-27 season.
Other news from the Big 10
The Daily Collegian - Key Penn State position battles heading into fall camp
The Lantern - Ohio State’s 2026 Football Season Preview
The Daily Northwestern - Northwestern lacrosse promotes sport’s growth among Evanston youth
Sports Soundoff
What has been your favorite sports moment this summer?
Regan Guirguis - The Knicks winning the NBA championship
Logan Reitzner - NBA All-Stars getting traded
Samantha Roering - Olivia Miles Rookie of the Year campaign
Game-Winning Shots
Gopher football is just 32 days away so here’s a throwback to last season’s Axe Game.
Darius Taylor running out with the Golden Gophers, on Nov. 29, 2025. | Photo by Dilan Parekh, MN Daily
Darius Taylor scoring the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. | Photo by Dilan Parekh, MN Daily
The Golden Gophers officially claiming Paul Bunyan’s Axe, defeating Wisconsin for the second year in a row. | Photo by Dilan Parekh, MN Daily
Upcoming Events
Aug. 5 | UMN Soccer @ Iowa State (exhibition)
Aug. 8 | UMN Soccer vs. South Dakota State (exhibition)
Aug. 10 | UMN Sport @ Texas (exhibition)
Aug. 13 | UMN Soccer vs. North Dakota
