​It is about time to start the infamous Upgrade/Downgrade series as we preview the 2026 Gopher football season. The Eastern Illinois game kicks off in seven weeks, which gives us ample time to ramp up the unrealistic optimism of the offseason. The schedule is more difficult, but the team is returning some key players at key positions. So will this team be better than the 2025 version? Is this the year PJ Fleck breaks through for a unique season?Time will tell, but we will begin our series by looking at the quarterback.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2025 Starter: Drake Lindsey2026 Starters: Drake LindseyDepth: Max Shikenjanski, Owen Lansu (Fr), Dylan Wittke (Jr), Michael Merdinger (So), Brady Palmer (Fr)A year ago there was tepid optimism around Drake Lindsey being the unquestioned starter as a redshirt freshman. But I think we can agree that while Lindsey’s first season as the starter was far from perfect, he had a successful season.I attempted to look back and compare Lindsey’s first year as a young starter to other Gopher quarterbacks who started a full season early in their careers. And there are not many seasons where there is an adequate comparison. Mitch Leidner, Bryan Cupito, Corey Sauter and Tanner Morgan all were able to get several starts under their belt before they took over as the unquestioned starter. Even with their additional reps, Lindse ranks 2nd in completion %, 3rd in touchdowns thrown and 1st in fewest interceptions.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe most apt comparison is likely Adam Weber’s 2007 freshman season.As a true freshman, Weber threw for 2,895 yards, completing 57.5% of his passes (258/449). He also had 24 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. But Weber had some systemic advantages for his freshman season. He had two of the all-time best receivers in Gopher history at his disposal in Eric Decker and Ernie Wheelright. He also was in an offense that was not shy about throwing the ball, Weber averaged about 7.5 more passing attempts per game than Lindsey did. On the other hand, he was dealt a rookie head coach and an historically bad defense.Lindsey finished his freshman season going 246/389 (63.2%), 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions. And he did this with an uninspiring set of receivers. To his benefit, he is working with a competent coaching staff and an overall roster that he doesn’t have to overcome with his arm.As we continue living a life via comparisons, Lindsey’s freshman season is eerily similar to Max Brosmer’s senior, and only, season for Minnesota. Take a look at this comparison…AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLindsey (2025 FR) 246 comp – 389 att – 63.2% – 2382 yds – 18 TDs – 6 IntBrosmer (2024 SR) 268 comp – 403 att -66.5% – 2828 yds – 18 TDs – 6 IntOne of those guys was one of the best offensive players in FCS, had a great year at a Big Ten school and is now on an NFL roster. The other was making his first starts as a collegiate player, being thrown i