Students cheering in the student section during Gopher football game

Gopher Athletics

Welcome to the Big Ten, sports fans. Big Ten athletics have a way of energizing all students, and while Gopher student-athletes compete at the highest level in their sports, they also regularly rank tops in academics among public institutions. Our athletes are driven, and our fans are driven to support them.

22

Number of sports

600+

Number of student-athletes

3.44+

Average student-athlete GPA (first among public institutions)

22

Number of sports

600+

Number of student-athletes

3.44+

Average student-athlete GPA (first among public institutions)

History

From the history of our school colors (maroon and gold), to the creation of cheerleading in 1898 and the birth of the world's most lovable mascot, Goldy Gopher, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities sporting scene enjoys a rich heritage.

News

An image of Goldy Gopher from 1985
Feature

Happy Anniversary, Fierce Goldy!

Most of us have come to know Goldy Gopher, the beloved mascot of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, as a perpetually smiling character who never shies away from a photograph. But Goldy has a complicated history, and wasn't so cuddly once upon a time.

The University of Minnesota Spirit Squad poses with its four trophies in Orlando.
Feature

A weekend for champions

The University of Minnesota Spirit Squad brought home two more national titles this weekend at the Cheerleading & Dance Team National Championships in Orlando.