It is just about time for more Golden Gophers football as Minnesota has released the depth chart for Week 1!

Minnesota will kick off the 2018 season Thursday against New Mexico State. While the Gophers should be heavily favored, the matchup will provide fans a chance to see what this year’s team will look like.

The biggest story from the Week 1 depth chart is the news that true freshman Zack Annexstad will start at QB. Minnesota on BTN also shared a video following the announcement that pointed out Annexstad will be the first true freshman QB in a season opener for the Gophers since 1980!

Annexstad will be a small part of a larger youth movement for Minnesota. There are four freshmen currently listed as starters on the offensive side of the ball for the Gophers with even more listed on the two-deep. Head coach P.J. Fleck is entering his second season with the team, but it appears he is not afraid to give young players significant playing time.

One player the team will look to lean on offensively is RB Rodney Smith. Smith returns for his senior season after rushing for 2,805 yards over his first three years with the Gophers. Using Smith to run the ball effectively should provide Annexstad time to settle in at QB.