The Minnesota Gophers under PJ Fleck have consistently recruited well and built a reputation for pounding the football through the heart of the Big Ten. They’ve developed a long line of talented tailbacks over the years—and now, EA Sports is giving them that same respect in the virtual world.
At least, that’s how EA Sports sees it.
With the early-access window now open for “EA Sports College Football 26,” player ratings are officially live—and Minnesota’s backfield is turning heads. The Gophers’ running back duo of Darius Taylor and Marshall transfer AJ Turner stands out as one of the best in the game, earning national recognition before a single snap this fall.
Taylor checks in with a 91 overall rating, while Turner earns a surprising 88. That kind of love from the game isn’t just hype—it’s a reflection of how dominant both backs were last season, and what’s expected from them this year as Drake Lindsey takes over at quarterback.
Even though Minnesota leaned on the passing game more than usual last season, don’t be surprised if they shift back to a more traditional ground-and-pound approach in 2025.
Darius Taylor returns after a breakout year, rushing for 986 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught 54 passes for 350 yards, showing he’s more than just a threat between the tackles—he’s one of the most complete backs in the country.
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AJ Turner, the transfer from Marshall, was just as impressive. He piled up 864 rushing yards and six touchdowns on nearly 100 fewer carries than Taylor, averaging a staggering 8.3 yards per attempt. He wasn’t a major factor in the passing game, but his explosiveness on the ground made up for it.
Both are redshirt sophomores, but with Taylor likely heading to the NFL after this season, adding Turner gives Minnesota a long-term option and some much-needed balance in the short term. It’s a move that could keep both backs healthy, productive, and dangerous all year long.
With Taylor and Turner leading the way, Minnesota’s run-first identity looks as strong as ever.
Their skill sets complement each other, and together they form one of the most dangerous backfields in the country. EA Sports might just be predicting what’s about to become reality.