“We are tough at every single weight, we are a problem at every single weight,” are the words from the ever-so-legendary Minnesota Gophers’ head coach Brandon Eggum. While it might seem quite natural for a coach to be speaking highly of their team, this one is straight from the heart. Since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, the Gophers haven’t had it easy. And why is that?

A flu bug hit the Gophers in late December, just as they were returning from a three-week break. It ended up reducing the 26-athlete roster to just 13! However, despite the illness, Gophers weren’t knocked off course. They have managed to rack up 148-6 combined scores and have won 15 individual titles across three tournaments. While impressive, the road ahead is not an easy one. In fact, in less than 24 hours, Gophers is going head-to-head with one of the Big 10 names. So are they ready?

Gophers diving head-first into Big 10 duals as Eggum Says “As Ready as Can Be”

The flu might have slowed the Gophers down, but evidently, they have been trained to wrestle through it all. And as their head coach Brandon Eggum sees it, “We got through that sickness and some of that stuff and now our guys are in a good spot, so I think we’re as ready as we can be.” So what’s next on the charts? Well, the Minnesota Gophers’ readiness is going to be tested as they will be going up against Nebraska!

And the Cornhuskers beware, as this time the Gophers have a lineup for the ages! In the 125-pound weight class, Minnesota’s Cooper Flynn ranked #6 will be going up against Nebraska’s Caleb Smith ranked at #5. And Eggum is counting on Flynn. As Brandon Eggum himself puts it, “Cooper’s done a really good job starting duals for us. If we can get a win right off the bat, that puts us in a really, really good spot.” Add to that #7 Vance Vombaur, veteran Isaiah Salazar, and #4 Max McEnelly who will also be taking the mat. But that’s not all.

Let’s not forget the controversial Olympic heavyweight champion, Gable Steveson, who will also be seen going up against Nebraska. “I think when you hear from a peer and a guy like Gable, who’s the best in the world, I think that helps build confidence,” added Eggum. With the momentum already in place, and the wrestlers in peak form, the Gophers seem like they are in it to win it. And there’s no two ways about it. However, Nebraska is only the first of many!

Nebraska is just the beginning for the Gophers!

While Nebraska Cornhuskers might be the current focus, the Gophers’ journey is only just beginning. So what’s next? On January 19th, Minnesota Gophers have their home showdown against Michigan, followed by trips to Wisconsin and Northwestern. If that seems tough, hang on as the schedule gets tougher! Awaiting Gophers in the wings are Rutgers, Purdue, and Iowa State. None of these names, however, seem to rattle the Gophers.

While the big names come along, Eggum remains absolutely composed. “What I see is all 10 guys coming out and wrestling well,” he said. “Even where some of these guys are at, I think we have the ability to take another step up here.” Now that is a coach who is confident that his team is set up for winning! All that is left now, is for the showdown that is just a day away.