Minnesota defeats Eastern Illinois in 2026 season opener at home
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 12:22 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Minnesota opened its 2026 football season with a 59-7 victory over Eastern Illinois on September 3 at Huntington Bank Stadium. Quarterback Drake Lindsey threw for 264 yards and a touchdown while Darius Taylor recorded three rushing scores in the win. Javon Tracy set a program record by returning two punts for touchdowns. The defense held the Panthers to 110 total yards, though head coach P.J. Fleck confirmed that freshman running back Ryan Estrada will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The Gophers move to 1-0 on the year following the victory.
- •Minnesota beat Eastern Illinois 59-7 on September 3.
- •Javon Tracy became the first Gopher to return two punts for touchdowns in one game.
- •Quarterback Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards.
- •Ryan Estrada sustained a season-ending knee injury in the fourth quarter.
- •Minnesota allowed only 110 total yards during the contest.
- 12:22 AMYahoo Sports — Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois: The Elite, The Meh & The Ugly
"A positive report card to start the season
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