Gophers-Tommies will play men's and women's games this season, renewing a rivalry from nearly a century ago

The University of Minnesota announcing Monday that both the men's and women's basketball teams will host the Tommies during the regular season.

"I don't know how often this game will happen, but we're certainly excited," says Tommie men's coach Johnny Tauer. "When people have asked this question, so often over the last several years, and our answer's always been the same, we'd love to play the Gophers, and that's not saying we think we're going to beat the Gophers. We're not gonna say we're going to beat a Big 10 team, but we're saying we're thrilled to get the opportunity. It's just gonna be a really, really fun day for the entire state."

The men's teams haven't competed against each other since 1934, a game that ended with the Gophers winning 28 to 18. There's a good chance the 2026 version will see a little more offense. This will be the first meeting since St. Thomas began competing at the Division I level in 2021. The Gophers hold a 6-1 all-time advantage in the series, with all of those games dating from 1907-1934.

"We're excited to have St. Thomas on campus for a game this year," head coach men's basketball coach Niko Medved said. "Having two Division I programs right here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is great for the sport, and I know it's something fans are really looking forward to seeing. Our schedules were able to align this year, so it seemed like a perfect time to create a fun environment here at the Barn."

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two women's teams.

"Adding this matchup to our schedule creates a great opportunity for our student-athletes, fans and both institutions," adds Gopher women's head coach Dawn Plitzuweit. "There is tremendous support for women's basketball across the state, and we look forward to a terrific atmosphere on game day."

The men's game is set for November 6, while the women will play at the Barn on December 1.

"It's gonna be one of those things that, probably for both schools, they look at and I hope at the end of that night, it's like that was a win-win for everybody," Tauer adds. "Because overall, what we're all trying to do, and that's help young people develop and generate interest in the game of basketball. And I think both of those things are going to help or happen that night."