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Athlon Sports Names Nine Gophers Preseason All-Big Ten
7/1/2026 12:22:00 PM | Football
Four Gophers on defense, four on offense and one on special teams were recognized
Athlon Sports recently released its 2026 All-America and All-Big Ten teams and nine Gophers – four on defense, four on offense and one on special teams – were recognized.
Leading the way was defensive lineman Anthony Smith who was tabbed as a Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten. Smith was also named First-Team All-Big Ten.
Running back Darius Taylor and offensive lineman Greg Johnson were named Second-Team All-Big Ten on offense, while linebacker Maverick Baranowski and defensive back John Nestor were recognized with the same honor on defense.
Nathan Roy was honored as a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection, while Jalen Smith slotted on the Fourth-Team All-Big Ten. Defensive back Kerry Brown was named Fourth Team All-Big Ten.
Minnesota opens the season at home on Thursday, September 3 against Eastern Illinois.
Athlon All-America Honors
Second-Team
Anthony Smith, DL
Athlon All-Big Ten Honors
First-Team
Anthony Smith, DL
Second-Team
Darius Taylor, RB
Greg Johnson, OL
Maverick Baranowski, LB
John Nestor, DB
Third-Team
Nathan Roy, OL
Fourth-Team
Jalen Smith, WR
Kerry Brown, DB
Tom Weston, P
Leading the way was defensive lineman Anthony Smith who was tabbed as a Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten. Smith was also named First-Team All-Big Ten.
Running back Darius Taylor and offensive lineman Greg Johnson were named Second-Team All-Big Ten on offense, while linebacker Maverick Baranowski and defensive back John Nestor were recognized with the same honor on defense.
Nathan Roy was honored as a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection, while Jalen Smith slotted on the Fourth-Team All-Big Ten. Defensive back Kerry Brown was named Fourth Team All-Big Ten.
Minnesota opens the season at home on Thursday, September 3 against Eastern Illinois.
Athlon All-America Honors
Second-Team
Anthony Smith, DL
Athlon All-Big Ten Honors
First-Team
Anthony Smith, DL
Second-Team
Darius Taylor, RB
Greg Johnson, OL
Maverick Baranowski, LB
John Nestor, DB
Third-Team
Nathan Roy, OL
Fourth-Team
Jalen Smith, WR
Kerry Brown, DB
Tom Weston, P
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