Randy Johnson
College football reporter
Gophers football Johnson also spent 17 years as sports copy editor/layout editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune after five years in a similar role with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He also was assistant sports editor and Penn State football beat writer for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., for five years.
Latest from Randy Johnson
The Call: Everything to know ahead of Gophers vs. New Mexico in the Rate Bowl
The Gophers are aiming for their ninth consecutive bowl victory and seventh in a row under coach P.J. Fleck when they take on the Lobos in Phoenix.
December 26, 2025
‘You have to earn the right to stay’: P.J. Fleck reflects on Gophers tenure ahead of Rate Bowl matchup with New Mexico
The football coach, who was hired in 2017, will wrap up his ninth season with the program on Dec. 26 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
December 25, 2025
Former Bears QB Jim McMahon visits P.J. Fleck at Gophers’ Rate Bowl practice
Fleck, an Illinois native, dressed up as McMahon on Halloween for several years.
December 25, 2025
Gophers’ Darius Taylor, Anthony Smith to play in Rate Bowl against New Mexico
The two standout players have been practicing with the team leading up to the Dec. 26 game at Phoenix’s Chase Field.
December 24, 2025
Players and teams to watch at the World Junior hockey tournament
Canada’s team is loaded with first-round draft picks, and defending champion Team USA has seven Minnesota players as the under-20 tourney begins Friday.
December 24, 2025
Team USA coach Bob Motzko’s job: ‘Turn their talent loose and let these guys go’
The Americans have won consecutive gold medals at the world junior championship and now play host to the tournament in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
December 23, 2025
Gophers assistant Kevin Kane leaves to become Purdue’s defensive coordinator
Kevin Kane, who was hired last January, spent the 2025 season as Minnesota’s outside linebackers and nickels coach but will move on to another Big Ten team.
December 19, 2025
Gophers could be thin on receiving options for Rate Bowl against New Mexico
Amid departures and a possible opt-out, Minnesota’s wide receiver group likely won’t be at full strength for its Dec. 26 matchup against the Lobos.
December 17, 2025
Drake Lindsey returning to Gophers: ‘There was no doubt in my mind’
Freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey believes the Gophers’ coaching staff is developing him into an NFL player, and he hopes to convince other teammates to stay.
December 11, 2025
Gophers RB Fame Ijeboi plans to enter the transfer portal
The redshirt freshman from Pennsylvania ranks second on the team in rushing this season. He carried the load when Darius Taylor was sidelined with injuries.
December 9, 2025
Gophers football team to play New Mexico in Rate Bowl on Dec. 26 in Phoenix
The game at Chase Field will be the first meeting between the Gophers and the Lobos.
December 8, 2025
Gophers dismiss defensive line coach Dennis Dottin-Carter
Dennis Dottin-Carter was in his first season as Gophers defensive line coach but was let go.
December 6, 2025
