Gophers draw 4.5 million viewers for Little Brown Jug win over Michigan

The Minnesota Gophers' victory over Michigan on October 6, 2026, garnered significant national attention, drawing 4.5 million TV viewers. This represents the fifth-most-watched college football game in Week 5, according to Nielsen ratings. The matchup's viewership is notable for Minnesota's program, as it ranks among the top games since head coach P.J. Fleck's hiring in 2017. The win against a historic rival improves Minnesota's brand visibility, potentially aiding in future recruiting efforts. The Gophers are set to face Purdue next, although a smaller audience is anticipated for that game.

• 12:04 AMYahoo Sports — Gophers drew a massive TV audience for Little Brown Jug win over Michigan