The cupboard is stacked next year, plain and simple.
The Gophers will be returning at least 11 players on defense that either are starting or have started games. Beal will be in the mix at LB as well.
Offense will be largely in tact as well. Wills is leaving at RT but Michel was alleged pushing him anyway. Carufel leaving as well, Alford, et al. Overall, OL is a pretty good position of depth from everything I've heard.
Whoever the coach is, Brewster or the next guy, will look like a miracle worker because they just plain don't lose much across the board. A case could be made for Weber but too many people are convinced Gray is better so why bother arguing that. I think they'll miss Weber but we'll see.
Anyway, hard not to get excited about next year. The defense should go from the primary weakness to very strong. I think the offense will be okay, with the offensive line getting more mobile and agile.