The wait is finally over! College football is back, and the Gophers open their 2026 regular season on Thursday night at 7 p.m. CT against Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium. Minnesota is currently favored to win by as many as 43.5 points on some sportsbooks, but the Panthers are already 1-0 on the season.
Here are our staff's predictions for Thursday night.
The Gophers were favored by a similar spread last season against FCS opponent Northwestern State, and they won that game 66-0. Oddly enough, the Demons also snapped a losing streak before playing Minnesota in that one.
A returning QB, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator makes me think Minnesota could get off to a hot start on Thursday night and cover the massive 43.5-point number. Eastern Illinois has lost its last three games against FBS opponents by a combined score of 132-7. I think Minnesota flexes its muscles early, and the majority of the starters are done before the fourth quarter, as they prepare for a massive Week 2 game against Mississippi State.
Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck walks onto the field before the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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