It’s Monday morning. The sun isn’t up yet. Coffee’s barely hot. But there I am, watching tape of Minnesota and texting my broadcast partners.

That became a weekly ritual last season.

Why? Because Greg Harbaugh Jr's offense caught my eye. Every red zone call. Every third down plan. Every subtle shift in the run game—it all felt intentional. It felt like the Gophers were winning games before they even kicked off.

So I had to get to know the guy behind it. And in this episode of Y-Option, presented by our founding sponsor 76, Greg Harbaugh Jr dives into it all.

How he builds his offense, how he develops quarterbacks, how he’s chasing a dream and how he's helping P.J. Fleck and Minnesota become one of the most situationally sharp teams in the Big Ten.

Here’s what stood out:

🔍 Details win games.Harbaugh doesn't just install plays—he installs scenarios. Every play call is built with purpose and clarity.

🧠 Quarterback play is collaborative.He invites his QBs into game plan meetings early in the week so they can see the why. When Saturday hits, the QB isn't reacting—he’s ready. Look no further than current Vikings QB Max Brosmer.

💥 Drake Lindsey might be next.Redshirt freshman. Gatorade Player of the Year in Arkansas. Elite processor. And Greg knew by spring practice #2: this guy gets it.

🤝 The QB room has real chemistry.In an era of NIL and transfers, Harbaugh has built a space of honest conversation—not ego. That culture that P.J. Fleck has curated is Minnesota’s true edge.

📊 Situational football is the standard.They prepare for it relentlessly. First-and-10, third-and-3, red zone decisions—they rep it all. And it shows up on tape.

Why it matters:Minnesota’s not flashy, but they’re grounded.

Their schedule is a challenge, but welcome to the new Big Ten. This team could hit 9 or 10 wins—and surprise a lot of people. If they can grab two road wins at Cal, Oregon, Iowa, or Ohio State look out for them in the College Football Playoff conversation. And if that happens, even more people will be talking about their OC, Greg Harbaugh Jr.

Training Camp Tour:

Camp is here folks, so I’m off to road trip across the country. First stop: State College, PA. Be sure to stay locked in to Y-Option as the first Empty the Callsheet newsletter will be coming next week. Also, be on the lookout for team previews coming soon.

Much love and stay steady,

Yogi

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