A freshman walk-on will take the first snap of the 2018 season for Minnesota’s opener against New Mexico State.

Monday, the official Twitter account of Golden Gophers football announced that head coach P.J. Fleck had named Zack Annexstad, a true freshman walk-on, the Week 1 starter.

Annexstad is a Norseland, Minnesota native but attended IMG Academy in Florida while at the high school level. As a recruit, Annexstad was a 3-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class and was ranked the No. 45 pro-style quarterback.

Fleck wasn’t afraid to use multiple quarterbacks last season and could rotate again this fall if he deems it necessary. But the true freshman will be the one to see the field first for the Golden Gophers.

Minnesota’s clash against New Mexico State will be on Thursday, Aug. 30.