He’s back: NCAA officially restores eligibility of Gophers star Bateman

The reigning Big Ten Receiver of the Year will be back in maroon and gold.

The NCAA officially restored the eligibility of Minnesota Gophers star receiver Rashod Bateman on Wednesday. Bateman previously announced he was forgoing this season because of personal health concerns related to COVID-19.

In 2019, Bateman set program records by hauling in 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was named third-team All-American and all-Big Ten first team. As a freshman in 2018, Bateman caught 51 passes for 704 yards and six touchdowns.

Bateman will become the first Gophers player to wear No. 0 this season, switching from the No. 13 he wore as a freshman and sophomore. According to a statement released by the University of Minnesota, Bateman switched his number to No. 0 because “there is zero tolerance for racism in Minnesota’s culture and it is a call to action to end racism in our society.”

The Gophers will begin the 2020 campaign Oct. 24 against Michigan.