Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell announced on Thursday that he will be returning for his seventh season with the Gophers, according to a tweet by 247Sports reporter Ryan Burns. The news came out during the second annual Chair-ity Fundraiser, which was held ahead of Minnesota’s game this week against Nebraska.

Autman-Bell was first given the option to rejoin the Gophers roster after a season-ending leg injury in week 3. Burns also reported that Autman-Bell’s leg injury has been confirmed as a torn ACL.

An additional year to Autman-Bells’ collegiate career allows him one last chance to add onto an already established résumé. In Gophers Football program history, he is ranked 9th in receiving yards (1,970), 12th in receptions (125) and 13th in touchdowns (13).

While he should retain his role as Minnesota’s top receiver, other notable players on offense will be absent. This includes 6th year starters quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Mohamed Ibrahim and center John Michael Schmitz.

At his current age of 23, Autman-Bell will be the oldest player on the expected 2023 roster. His age brings along a much needed boost to a wide receiver core that has struggled this season without him.

Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2023 is set to be 4-star recruit Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis will be a redshirt sophomore next year but has experience as the team’s starter whenever Morgan was unavailable. Having an acclaimed receiver gives the young QB a reliable target as he continues to develop.