Where to Watch Golden Gophers Football in Minneapolis (And Who to Watch in 2026)

The Minnesota Gophers have a rich football tradition, and the 2026 season has already delivered plenty of drama. Minnesota sits at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten heading into November, one win away from bowl eligibility, as reported by the Star Tribune. The Gophers football 2026 schedule opened with a 59-7 home win over Eastern Illinois on September 3, and the highlights since include a 20-14 win over Michigan and a 13-10 win over Iowa at Huntington Bank Stadium. With four games left, including a top-five matchup at home, Gophers fans have plenty to look forward to.

If you live in Minneapolis and want to catch every moment of the Golden Gophers' stretch run, you need to know where to watch the games. Read on to learn where to watch Gophers football and which players are making the biggest impact this season.

The Best Places to Watch Gophers Football in Minneapolis

If you're wondering where to watch Gophers games in Minneapolis outside of Huntington Bank Stadium, one of the best bars to watch Gophers football is The Rabbit Hole. It offers an incredible atmosphere, sound on every screen, and a crowd full of fans cheering for the Maroon and Gold.

The rest of the 2026 season is packed with big games. Minnesota hosts undefeated, No. 5 UCLA on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. on FOX (Star Tribune). After that come trips to Penn State and Wisconsin, plus Senior Day against Northwestern. Every game this fall will be as entertaining as it gets for Minneapolis fans. 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 Vikings and Gophers game days. The large, spacious bar has sound on every TV, so you're fully immersed in the action as if you were in Huntington Bank Stadium yourself.

The Rabbit Hole draws a great mix of passionate Gophers fans and is an excellent spot for a Saturday college game or a Sunday Vikings game. The crowd is always loud, and it 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 for football, you can enjoy delicious items from the menu and a local brew to wash them down. The Rabbit Hole also has game-day specials, so be 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.

Seven Golden Gophers to Watch This Season

Now that you know where to watch the Gophers' 2026 Big Ten games in Minneapolis, here are the Gophers players to watch down the stretch. Minnesota's defense and special teams have kept it in nearly every game, and these seven players could make or break the rest of the 2026 season. Stats below are through eight games, per ESPN.

Drake Lindsey (QB)

Now a junior and in his second season as the starter, Drake Lindsey has thrown for 1,592 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. He opened the year with a 264-yard, 19-of-24 performance against Eastern Illinois and threw three touchdowns in back-to-back games against Akron and Washington. If Lindsey gets going against UCLA and Penn State, Minnesota's ceiling goes way up.

Javon Tracy (WR)

Javon Tracy is Minnesota's go-to target, leading the team with 46 catches for 460 yards. He's the receiver Lindsey looks for on third down, and he's a big part of the Gophers' plan to upset UCLA.

TJ Thomas (RB)

TJ Thomas leads the Gophers in rushing with 379 yards on 63 carries, an average of 6.0 yards per carry, with a long run of 71 yards. He's the home-run threat in the Minnesota backfield.

Darius Taylor (RB)

Fan favorite Darius Taylor is still a key piece of the offense. He leads the team with five rushing touchdowns and adds value as a receiver out of the backfield. When the Gophers get close to the end zone, watch for No. 1.

Maverick Baranowski (LB)

The fifth-year linebacker is on the Butkus Award Watch List after leading Minnesota with 103 tackles in 2025. He leads the team again in 2026 with 60 total tackles and has an interception. Baranowski is the heart of the Gophers defense.

John Nestor (DB)

Defensive back John Nestor has been one of the Big Ten's most disruptive defenders. He leads Minnesota with five sacks and has an interception, which makes him a playmaker in every phase of the defense.

Luke Drzewiecki (K)

Don't sleep on the kicker. Luke Drzewiecki is a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals, including 3-for-3 from 50-plus yards. He won the Iowa game with a 46-yard field goal as time expired and hit a 60-yarder late at No. 4 Indiana. In close games, he's Minnesota's secret weapon.

Big Games Left to Circle on the Calendar

The Gophers already brought Floyd of Rosedale back to Minneapolis with their win over Iowa (ESPN), but the toughest stretch of the season is still to come. Here's what's left on the 2026 schedule:

• vs. No. 5 UCLA (Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m., FOX). Undefeated UCLA leads the Big Ten and comes to Huntington Bank Stadium.

• @ Penn State (Saturday, Nov. 14, time TBA). The Gophers play for the Governor's Victory Bell.

• vs. Northwestern (Saturday, Nov. 21, time TBA). This is Senior Day and the home finale.

• @ Wisconsin (Friday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., NBC). The Gophers play for Paul Bunyan's Axe in a Black Friday night game.

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?

The 2026 Gophers have proven they can hang with anyone, from a win over Michigan to a last-second Floyd of Rosedale victory to taking No. 4 Indiana to overtime. Whether you're in the student section at Huntington Bank Stadium or at your favorite local sports bar in Minneapolis, the stretch run is one to get amped about. Keep an eye on Drake Lindsey and Javon Tracy in the passing game, Maverick Baranowski and John Nestor on defense, and Luke Drzewiecki whenever the game comes down to a kick. With one more win, Minnesota is bowl eligible, and a big November could make this one of the most memorable seasons in recent years.

No matter the location you choose where to watch Golden Gophers football in Minneapolis, whether at a lively bar or in the stadium, the 2026 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.