University of Minnesota Athletics
2025 Football Roster

Jersey Number 25
Zahir Rainer
- Position:
- DB
- Ht./Wt.:
- 5-9 / 190
- Hometown:
- Richmond, Va.
- High School:
- Trinity Episcopal
- Years in College / At Minnesota:
- 2 / 2
- Remaining Eligibility Entering 2025 Season:
- 4 years
- Letters:
- 1
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
| PRONUNCIATION |
HONORS:
Academic All-Big Ten (2025)
2025 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Made his Minnesota and collegiate debut at Ohio State • played at Northwestern.
2024: Redshirted • did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Trinity Episcopal High School in Richmond, Va. • wore No. 1 for the Titans and was coached by Sam Mickens • as a senior, made 26 tackles, had one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery • named First Team All-State for three straight years • consensus three-star recruit • ranked as the No. 15 prospect in Virginia and the No. 81 safety in the nation by 247Sports.
PERSONAL: Son of Wali and Brandi Rainer • has one sister (Amira) and two brothers (Elijah and Khaild) • father, Wali, played college football at Virginia and then played in the NFL for eight seasons and was a member of the Cleveland Browns (1999–2001), Jacksonville Jaguars (2002), Detroit Lions (2003–2005) and Houston Texans (2006).
Thank You Gopher Fans
Tuesday, December 09
Painting the Axe
Saturday, December 06
Cinematic Recap: Gophers-Wisconsin
Wednesday, December 03
Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03


.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)

