University of Minnesota Athletics

2021 Football Roster

Braelen Oliver
Jersey Number 14

Braelen Oliver

  • Position:
    LB
  • Ht./Wt.:
    6-0 / 230
  • Hometown:
    Douglasville, Ga.
  • High School:
    Douglas County
  • Years in College / At Minnesota:
    5 / 5
  • Remaining Eligibility Entering 2025 Season:
    2 years
  • Letters:
    3
  • Class:
    Redshirt Sophomore
PRONUNCIATION

HONORS:
Academic All-Big Ten (2021, 2020, 2019)
Quad Team Member (2019)
Outstanding Defensive Freshman (2019)

2022 JUNIOR SEASON: Made two tackles against New Mexico State • started against Western Illinois • had three tackles and one pass breakup against Colorado • had two tackles at Michigan State • registered seven tackles against Purdue • recorded 10 tackles and one tackle for loss at Illinois • made two tackles at Penn State • totaled one tackle against Rutgers • made one tackle at Nebraska • made two tackles, including half of a sack, against Northwestern • saw action against Iowa • made three tackles (all solo) at Wisconsin.

2021 SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started seven of 13 games • made 24 tackles, broke up one pass and forced one fumble. Game-by-Game: Made two tackles against Ohio State • registered one tackle and broke up one pass against Miami (OH) • recorded one tackle at Colorado • totaled three tackles, one quarterback hurry and forced one fumble against Bowling Green • notched four tackles at Purdue • made one tackle against Nebraska • recorded two tackles, including 0.5 tackles for a loss, against Maryland • registered one tackle at Northwestern • totaled one tackle against Illinois • had three tackles at Iowa • made one tackle at Indiana • recorded three tackles against Wisconsin • made one tackle against West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. 

2020: Missed the season with an injury. 

2019 FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in all 13 games • recorded 22 tackles (14 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Game-by-Game: Made first collegiate tackle against South Dakota State • recorded one tackle against Fresno State • recovered one fumble against Georgia Southern • made one tackle against Purdue • notched four tackles, one sack and one pass breakup against Illinois • recorded one tackle against Nebraska • registered four tackles including 0.5 for loss against Rutgers • impacted the game with an early sack and finished with two tackles against Maryland • made one tackle against Penn State • notched three tackles including a sack for a loss of 16 yards at Iowa • tallied two tackles at Northwestern • registered one tackle against Wisconsin • recorded one tackle against Auburn in the Outback Bowl. 

2018: Redshirted  made collegiate debut against New Mexico State and saw action against Miami (OH). 

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Douglas County High School in Douglasville, Ga. • wore No. 2 for the Tigers • as a senior, recorded 164 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks on defensive and 500 all-purpose yards on offense • helped team to a 10-2 record • named First Team All-State and Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year • received the 2017 Howard Thompson Trophy from the Douglas County School System, which is given annually to senior football player that represents best in academics, athletics and character • as a junior, notched 80 tackles • All-Conference in 2016 and 2017 • coached by Johnny White • consensus three-star recruit • No. 42 ranked outside linebacker in his class and No. 62 overall recruit in Georgia by 247Sports.

PERSONAL:  Son of Michael and Lydia Oliver • has one brother (Brandon) and one sister (Bailee) • father, Michael, played baseball at Savannah State • brother, Brandon, played football at Georgia Tech • uncle, Alfred Hill, played football at Purdue.

Game Trailer: Gophers-Bears
Friday, September 12
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Rout Demons
Tuesday, September 09
Highlights: Gophers 66, Northwestern State 0
Saturday, September 06
Sights & Sounds: Gophers-Demons
Saturday, September 06