The 1988 season was the Golden Gophers' third season under head coach John Gutekunst. The Golden Gophers won two games, lost seven and tied two. Total attendance for the season was 312,596, which averaged out to 44,657 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Iowa. The tie against Illinois was the last tie for the Golden Gophers and under current NCAA rules, it will be the last in Golden Gophers history. Punter Brent Herbel was named All-Big Ten second team. Punter Brent Herbel and offensive lineman Brent Liimatta were named Academic All-Big Ten.