1940 record 8–0 (6–0 Big Ten) | AP No. 1 | |
Head coach Bernie Bierman (9th year) | ||
The 1940 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1940 Big Ten Conference football season. In their ninth year under head coach Bernie Bierman, the Golden Gophers compiled an undefeated 8–0 record and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 154 to 71. The team finished first in the Associated Press poll, giving the Gophers their fourth national title. The team did not play in a bowl game.
Tackle Urban Odson was named an All-American by Liberty. Halfback George Franck was named an All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, United Press International, Look Magazine and Collier's. Franck placed third in voting for the Heisman Trophy. Franck and Odson were also named All-Big Ten first team.
Quarterback Bob Paffrath received the Team MVP Award.
Total attendance for the season was 234,990, which averaged to 46,998. The season high for attendance was against Michigan.