Where to Watch Golden Gophers Football in Minneapolis (And Who to Watch in 2025)

The Minnesota Gophers have a rich football tradition and are set to continue their legacy with a talented roster and a challenging 2025 schedule. Minneapolis college football fans can expect an action-packed 2025 season with plenty of excitement, especially since the Gophers are coming off a solid performance last year and are picked to finish 11th in the Big Ten, as reported by TwinCities.com. The Gophers football 2025 schedule kicks off with two home games on Thursday, August 28 against Buffalo, followed by Northwestern State on Saturday, September 6. These early spotlight matchups mean plenty of thrills for Gophers fans.

If you live in Minneapolis and are looking to catch every moment of the Golden Gophers football season, you need to know where to watch the games. Read on to learn where to watch Gophers football and which players are making waves in the preseason hype.

The Best Places to Watch Gophers Football in Minneapolis 

If you're wondering where to watch Gophers games Minneapolis that's not Huntington Bank Stadium, one of the best bars to watch Gophers football is The Rabbit Hole, offering an incredible atmosphere with sound on every screen, and a crowd full of fans cheering for the Maroon and Gold.

From the Gophers football home opener in Huntington Bank Stadium against Buffalo on August 28 to rivalry weeks to the big road trips at Ohio State on October 4 and Iowa on October 25, the games are going to be as entertaining as they get for Minneapolis fans this fall. But don't just take our word for it, check out what fans are saying about the game-day experience at The Rabbit Hole, where the atmosphere makes every game unforgettable.

The Rabbit Hole: Where Gophers and Vikings Fans Unite 

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, The Rabbit Hole is a fan favorite for both the Vikings and the Gophers' game-day experience. The large, spacious bar is equipped with every single TV sporting sound to get you fully immersed in action as if you were in Huntington Bank Stadium yourself. 

The Rabbit Hole has a great mix of passionate Gophers fans and is an excellent spot to enjoy a game day or a Sunday Vikings game. The crowd is always loud and feels like a tailgate away from the stadium! 

Tip: For fans looking to catch Gophers away game watch parties, The Rabbit Hole hosts spirited events for big matchups. While you're here to watch football, you can also nosh on delicious items from the menu and order a local brew to wash it down. The Rabbit Hole has even got you covered with game-day specials to order from, so make sure to check out our full menu.

Other Minneapolis Sports Bars: Where the Game Never Stops

Minneapolis is a sports town and is home to some of the best spots for college football fans to watch the game. There are a ton of fantastic sports bars in Minneapolis, but the city has some great options for game viewing away from the more student-heavy areas as well.

Of course we already said The Rabbit Hole is one of the best bars to watch Gophers football in Minneapolis, but others include Tom's Watch Bar, The Loon Cafe, JJ's Clubhouse, The Local, and Sidestreet Grill and Bar. Each offers unique vibes for passionate fans. 

Tom's Watch Bar

This lively spot has wall-to-wall TVs, a big fan crowd, and game-day specials, making it a top choice to catch Gophers football or any Big Ten action.

The Loon Cafe

If you're looking for a cozy yet energetic atmosphere, The Loon Cafe is it. Featuring plenty of big screens, local brews, and a passionate crowd, this is the place for a spirited away-game watch party.

JJ's Clubhouse

Plenty of space, multiple surround sound TVs, and a welcoming mix of alumni and casual fans makes JJ's a prime spot to watch Gophers football and enjoy the full game-day experience.

The Local

're in the student section at Huntington Bank Stadium or are planning to chill at your favorite local sports bar in Minneapolis, the 2025 season is going to be one to get amped about. As for which Gophers players are the biggest to follow? Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on the wide receiver matchups and follow Darius Taylor as he dominates in the run game. Keep an eye on the newcomers and show up for those big rivalry weeks. The Golden Gophers have all the pieces to make a run for the Big Ten title and hopefully see their way to a Rose Bowl appearance.

No matter the location you choose where to watch Golden Gophers football in Minneapolis, whether at a lively bar or in the stadium, the 2025 season promises plenty of excitement and memorable moments. If you're still in the market for the best spot to catch the games, head to The Rabbit Hole for some game-day specials and good vibes. For the full menu, happy hour specials and calendar of all sports events in The Rabbit Hole, check out our website. Don't forget to support the Gophers and the local bars in Minneapolis, too!

This spot is a great space that balances both student and alumni crowds and boasts hearty food, a rowdy crowd, and an atmosphere made for the full-on Gophers game experience.

Six Golden Gophers to Watch This Season 

Now that you know where to watch the Gophers' Big Ten football 2025 games in Minneapolis, it's time to share which Gophers players to watch in 2025. Minnesota is strong on both sides of the ball, and these six players might make or break the Gophers' 2025 season: 

Darius Taylor (RB)

The Gophers' breakout star in 2024 was Darius Taylor, who rushed for 1,325 yards and 11 touchdowns. Taylor is the Gophers' most important offensive player, and his powerful running game has made him a fan favorite. He's projected to lead the Big Ten in rushing this season. Be sure to watch Taylor when he takes the field for the Gophers home opener and all season long.

Le'Meke Brockington (WR)

A fifth-year veteran, Le'Meke Brockington is an explosive wide receiver who gives the Gophers the deep-threat they need. With coaches raving that they have "the most talented WR room we've ever had," Brockington is expected to have a big year. His ability to make plays down the field will be essential to the Gophers' offense in 2025.

Javon Tracy (WR)

Tracy had 57 catches, 818 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024, while showing big-play ability and consistency. With him in the mix along with Le'Meke Brockington and Elijah Spencer, this WR room could be the deepest and most explosive Minnesota's had since Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman.

Deven Eastern (DL)

Eastern is a fifth-year Gopher playing a high-leverage role. In 2024, he played over 400 snaps, recording 27 tackles, 13 solo, and 2 passes defended. He's a veteran anchor for Minnesota's D-line.

Aidan Gousby (DB)

In his third year, defensive back Gousby is a dynamic high-energy defender who posted 23 tackles, 14 solo stops, and 1 interception in 2024. He's quickly becoming a team leader and has already received glowing reviews from Coach P.J. Fleck: "This is a young man who can play the game at a high level, he's one of the next really good safeties here." Gousby is the Gophers' top playmaker in the secondary for 2025 because of his athleticism and tenacity.

Drake Lindsay (QB)

Coming into his second year with the Gophers, Lindsay is finding himself in a starting role after stepping in for starter Max Brosmer who is off to the Vikings. Lindsay is the most highly anticipated QB change in all of college football and is here to live up to the hype after earning himself the title of 2024 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year. Minnesota fans and sports enthusiasts will have their eyes on Lindsay as he takes the field for his team as they see how he performs in the offense of Minnesota in 2025.

Rivalry Road Games to Circle on the Calendar 

In addition to the home schedule, Gopher fans have some exciting away games to look forward to in 2025. These two road games in particular are ones not to miss: 

• @ Iowa (Oct 25)
• @ Wisconsin (Nov 29)

Both games will be pivotal for Minnesota's season and worth following in detail, whether you catch them on national television or at The Rabbit Hole in Minneapolis.

Where to Watch the Rivalry Games in Minneapolis

As with any college football season, the rivalry games will be the focal point of the year. Every year brings tons of hype around the Gophers traditional opponents, and 2025 is no different.

If you're staying away from tailgating and are in the city to watch both games, places like The Rabbit Hole and other local University of Minnesota hotspots will provide the truest fan crowd experience possible. These bars also offer a great atmosphere, excellent food, and plenty of screens for optimal viewing. 

If you're looking for a great spot to host a private viewing party for the Gophers, check out The Rabbit Hole's private event options to book your next game-day gathering.

Gophers Football Is Ready, Are You?

It's no secret that Gophers football is ready for 2025. Whether you're in the student section at Huntington Bank Stadium or are planning to chill at your favorite local sports bar in Minneapolis, the 2025 season is going to be one to get amped about. As for which Gophers players are the biggest to follow? Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on the wide receiver matchups and follow Darius Taylor as he dominates in the run game. Keep an eye on the newcomers and show up for those big rivalry weeks. The Golden Gophers have all the pieces to make a run for the Big Ten title and hopefully see their way to a Rose Bowl appearance.

No matter the location you choose where to watch Golden Gophers football in Minneapolis, whether at a lively bar or in the stadium, the 2025 season promises plenty of excitement and memorable moments. If you're still in the market for the best spot to catch the games, head to The Rabbit Hole for some game-day specials and good vibes. For the full menu, happy hour specials and calendar of all sports events in The Rabbit Hole, check out our website. Don't forget to support the Gophers and the local bars in Minneapolis, too!