Minnesota's Leading Scorer McKinney Out With Season-Ending Knee Injury

Minnesota junior guard Tori McKinney will miss the 2026-27 women’s basketball season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in practice, the team announced. The leading scorer last season at 12.7 points per game, McKinney also was a key defender and leader for a Gophers team that reached the NCAA Sweet 16. Her absence is a major setback as Minnesota looks to build on that run, and will create opportunities for returning players, transfers and freshmen to take on larger roles. McKinney recently helped the U.S. win the FIBA U23 3x3 World Cup, earning tournament MVP honors. Coach Dawn Plitzuweit said the team will support McKinney through rehabilitation as it prepares to open the season against Harvard on Nov. 2.