PHOENIX — Gophers star defensive end Anthony Smith made his big announcement in front of a a national TV audience on Friday night.

After winning defensive MVP in Minnesota’s 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl, the redshirt junior told ESPN he will return to Minnesota for the 2026 season.

On Wednesday, Smith told reporters in Arizona he wasn’t sure what his future would hold: either return to Minnesota, enter the transfer portal or head to the NFL. That decision came to the surface 48 hours later.

In the Rate Bowl, Smith had six tackles, two sacks, two tackles for lost yards and two pass break-ups. One of those stops included a tackle for loss on Lobos fake punt on fourth and 2 in the second half.

“Great player,” New Mexico coach Jason Eck said postgame.

The return of Smith is a huge boost for Minnesota; he finished the year with 12 1/2 sacks this season.

The U’s defensive line is losing a handful of seniors in Deven Eastern, Jalen Logan-Redding and Rushawn Lawrence, among others.

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