Minnesota Secures 20-17 Overtime Victory Over New Mexico in Rate Bowl with Jalen Smith's Diving Touchdown Catch
Jalen Smith made a diving overtime touchdown catch on third down to give Minnesota a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on December 26, 2025, in Phoenix.
Drake Lindsey completed 18-of-28 passes for two touchdowns, both caught by Smith.
New Mexico tied the game earlier with a 100-yard kickoff return by Damon Bankston and a later two-point conversion executed via a trick play.
Minnesota had taken a 14-6 lead after Darius Taylor rushed for a touchdown before the game went into overtime.
The victory marks Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck's seventh bowl win and represents the program's first bowl loss avoidance since 2014, previously under coach Jerry Kill.
Minnesota finished the season with an 8-5 record, while New Mexico ended with a 9-4 record.
Associated Press contributed to the report.
