The Spartans secured a first-round bye in the Big Ten Conference tournament beginning Wednesday in Indianapolis. The Golden Gophers will play on the first day.

Rumors are roaring at the NFL Scouting Combine, and Sam Darnold seems to be at the center of it all. While the Vikings say all options are on the table, most of the buzz in Indianapolis swirls around Minnesota franchise-tagging Darnold and trading him.

Here are 11 things to KARE about in Minnesota sports this week. Did you miss football? Well, you get a taste of sorts this week. The NFL Draft Combine takes place this week in Indianapolis. It’s a weeklong look at some of the top prospects available in April’s draft.

Grace VanSlooten scored 15 points and led a fourth-quarter charge that lifted No. 23 Michigan State to a 73-58 win over Minnesota as both teams ended the regular season. The Spartans secured a first-round bye in the Big Ten Conference tournament beginning Wednesday in Indianapolis.

Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery was one of six Gophers invited to this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Ranked 25th on Bruce Feldman's annual 'freaks list' before the 2024 college football season, Ersery had a lot of hype heading into the athletic test,

Cody Lindenberg was one of six Gophers players invited to this year's NFL Scouting Combine. He will not be participating in the on-field testing or drills, but he's still proud to represent Minnesota in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS – Gophers cornerback Justin Walley ran the 10th-fastest time among the 39 defensive backs sprinting in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, reaching 23 miles per hour over 4.4 seconds.

The Minnesota Vikings went into the NFL Combine hoping to change the narrative on Sam Darnold's trade value... but it's not looking good.

Though the Colts certainly hope the 22-year-old can prove himself worthy of the franchise title, his first two seasons in the NFL have left much to be desired. With that, general

Quarterback Sam Darnold is coming off his best year in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, completing 361-of-454 passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 102.5 passer rating. However, without an extension in place, he's set to hit free agency and allowed to sign with a new team starting on March 12.

Take a look inside the Lucas Oil Stadium suite used as the formal interview room, where 45 prospects will talk with coach Kevin O’Connell, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and others.

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