Fleck confirms Bateman wants to play for Gophers in 2020

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman has decided to opt back in for the 2020 football season in light of the Big Ten’s resumption of fall competition, contingent on the star junior gaining the necessary eligibility clearance.

Coach P.J. Fleck confirmed Tuesday that Bateman has rejoined the Gophers for practice. Because Bateman signed with an agency this summer in anticipation of declaring for the next NFL draft, his playing status has not yet been established.

Minnesota is scheduled to open against Michigan on Oct. 24. Bateman had 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games for the Gophers last year, leading the conference with an average of 20.3 yards per reception.

Two of Ohio State’s best players, cornerback Shaun Wade and guard Wyatt Davis, initially announced they were opting out. They reversed course last week after the Big Ten announced it would play with a new set of COVID-19 protocols.