A key piece of Minnesota’s offensive line is coming back for one more season.

John Michael Schmitz, an All-Big Ten Second Team lineman this season for the Gophers, will return for his 6th year with the program, opting to take advantage of the extra season of eligibility afford by the NCAA freeze last fall. He announced the news on Twitter.

Schmitz started every game for the Gophers this season. He was a third-team All-American center in PFF’s book as he helped pave the way for an offense that averaged nearly 200 rushing yards a game (3rd-best in the Big Ten) despite season-ending injuries to each of the team’s top 3 tailbacks.

The Illinois native is now the 4th member of the 2017 class to announce they’re returning for a 6th season, joining quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Mo Ibrahim, and wideout Chris Autman-Bell. With offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca returning after 2 years away, the gang’s all together for one more ride in 2022.