University of Minnesota Athletics celebrates success in the classroom, in competition and in the community

During the past year, University of Minnesota student-athletes continued to advance a tradition of excellence through record-setting academic performance, competitive success on the national stage and meaningful service across Minnesota. 
As part of its annual report at the Board of Regents July meeting, Gopher Athletics leaders will highlight achievements that reflect the department’s commitment to delivering a world-class student-athlete experience and advancing the University’s mission.

“Our student-athletes continue to demonstrate what it means to excel at the University of Minnesota,” said Gopher Athletics Director Mark Coyle. “They are succeeding in the classroom, competing at the highest levels nationally, serving communities across our state and representing Minnesota with pride. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive impact they make every day.”

The annual report will recognize the continued academic success of more than 600 Gopher student-athletes across 22 sports, who achieved a record cumulative GPA of 3.48 and a graduation rate of 93%. This marks the eighth consecutive year the department has posted one of the highest GPA rates in school history.

Academic excellence extended across the department, with student-athletes earning 360 Academic All-Big Ten honors and 126 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar recognitions. Seventeen programs recorded perfect Academic Progress Rate scores.

The report also will highlight another outstanding year of athletic achievement. The Gophers finished 32nd among 301 schools in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, placing them among the nation’s top 10% of programs for broad-based athletic success.

Gopher student-athletes captured four NCAA individual championships and nine Big Ten individual and relay titles during the 2025-26 academic year. Team success included national championships for the Spirit Squad in dance (pom) and small co-ed game day cheer, Sweet 16 appearances by women’s basketball and volleyball, a fourth-place national finish in gymnastics, and top-20 NCAA finishes in wrestling, women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s track and field. Football won the Rate Bowl to extend its Big Ten record to nine straight bowl wins.

Gopher Athletics' reach extended to the international stage during the Winter Olympics. Current student-athletes and alumni helped the United States capture gold medals in both men's and women's hockey, and Minnesota's 16 Olympic participants were the most of any Big Ten school.

While the department’s influence was felt around the world, its contributions at home remained equally significant. Gopher Athletics generates more than $473 million annually in economic impact across Minnesota and welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors to campus each year.

Gopher student-athletes also continued to make a meaningful difference in communities across Minnesota through service and philanthropy. The University was recognized as the Team IMPACT Division I Fellowship Campus of the Year for its work supporting children facing serious illnesses and disabilities. Football student-athletes helped surpass 140,000 diapers donated to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota over the past decade, while Men's Basketball launched Ski-U-Mah Strong to support cancer patients and survivors at the Masonic Children's Hospital.

“As one of the University's most visible assets, Gopher Athletics continues to strengthen the student experience, engage alumni and supporters, drive economic impact across Minnesota and build connections throughout the state,” said Coyle. “Through excellence in academics, athletics and service, Gopher student-athletes continue to leave a legacy on campus, in their communities and beyond.”

University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics continues tradition of excellence
The University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics program will share its annual report with the Board next week, highlighting its 16 varsity sports and 390 student-athletes. The Board will also recognize Bulldogs men’s hockey sophomore Max Plante, the 2025-2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner.

Duluth Athletics boasts a 90% Academic Success Rate, well above the NCAA Division II average of 77%. During the 2025-2026 season, five Bulldog teams — football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s hockey — were ranked in the top 25 teams nationally. Duluth student-athletes continue to make a difference in the community as well, with over 3,000 hours of community engagement in the past year.    

“We are incredibly proud of all our student-athletes, the coaches and staff who support them, and the culture of excellence they have built together,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “These achievements demonstrate what is possible when talented students are challenged to grow as scholars, leaders and teammates. Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with the impact they are making today and the leadership they will bring to the future.”

Also in July, the Board is expected to:

• Receive an update on alumni engagement across the University with Lisa Lewis, CEO and president of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. 
• Act on the Board of Regents Policy: Reservation and Delegation of Authority regarding appointment authority and the consent report, including a revised agreement that expands the support of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association to all five campuses. 
• Recognize the service of Gregg Goldman, outgoing executive vice president of finance and operations.

All in-person meeting attendees at the McNamara Alumni Center are required to go through security screening. Visitors are encouraged to allow ample time for the screening process. A livestream of the meeting and recordings of previous meetings are available at youtube.com/UMNRegents.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 
For more information, including future meeting times, visit regents.umn.edu.