Minnesota Gopher Lands on Mel Kiper’s Top 25 Big Board

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Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Gophers

The Minnesota Gophers dropped their season opener against North Carolina. New quarterback Max Brosmer was the big story. But the offensive line deserves plenty of attention, as well. They weren’t very good, which wasn’t expected to be a problem.

Minnesota’s front-five is experienced (outside of Center), and talented. The left tackle Aireontae Ersery, for example, is one of the best offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Minnesota Gophers Aireontae Ersery could be special

P.J. Fleck has been building momentum with the Minnesota Gophers for years. He landed the top in-state recruit for 2024 in Koi Perich, and he has coached some special talents.

Aireontae Ersery was on plenty of watch lists coming into the year, and being among those special talents, he’ll climb them this season. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has already taken note. He has the Gophers star 25th on his debut big board.

“Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 28 career starts, nearly all of which at left tackle. He drives defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check. Ersery is a rising prospect in the early parts of the season.“

Mel Kiper on Aireontae Ersery (ESPN)

Max Brosmer was sacked five times for the Minnesota Gophers on Saturday, but none were let up by Ersery. The massive left tackle checks in at 6’6″ 330 pounds. He is a big human being, but uses his athleticism to stay agile in front of defenders.

Related: Gophers Football Cornerstone Ranked Among Best in the Nation

Kiper has Ersery as his fourth best offensive tackle in the nation. If the Gophers are doing to have success with Brosmer under center and Darius Taylor in the backfield, Ersery will play a key role.

Aireontae Ersery isn’t alone for the Gophers

Although Mel Kiper goes just 25 deep on his initial big board, Aireontae Ersery isn’t the only Minnesota Gophers player who draws a mention. Defensive end Jah Joyner is noted within the ten best at his position. Kiper puts the Gophers pass rusher fifth among the group.

Against North Carolina, Joyner had six total tackles including 1.5 for losses and a 0.5 sack. Last season Joyner had a career-best 18 tackles in 13 games. He’s already one-third of the way to that total after just a single contest.

His 7.5 sacks last season are a high-water mark, but he’ll be looking to surpass that number this year. Minnesota’s defense has been turned over to new coordinator Corey Hetherman this season. The identity he looks to establish will be a work in progress.

Related: Former Viking on the Minnesota Gophers Call this Weekend

Although the offense sputtered out of the gate, the Gophers defense held the Tar Heels to just 19 points. The Gophers host Rhode Island on Saturday at 11 am as they seek their first win.

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