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3 key players expected to return for Miami versus South Florida

Two key Miami offensive players and one on defense are expected to return on Saturday versus South Florida.
ByAlan Rubenstein|
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Joshisa Trader (0) holds off Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Myles Purchase (5) in the second quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Joshisa Trader (0) holds off Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Myles Purchase (5) in the second quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Miami is expected to get defensive lineman Armondo Blount, running back Jordan Lyle and wide receiver JoJo Trader back on Saturday versus South Florida. Blount, Lyle and Trader have not played since the season-opening 27-24 win over Notre Dame.

Lyle had five carries for 11 yards against Notre Dame before exiting with a reported ankle injury. Trader was targeted twice versus Notre Dame but did not record a reception. Blount finished with one tackle against Notre Dame.

The return of Lyle is a huge boost to Miami at running back. Lyle had 400 rushing yards in 2024, averaging 7.41 yards per carry and had four touchdowns. With Lyle out, Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown have shared the majority of the carries through the first two games.

Fletcher Jr. has 26 carries for 152 yards and two TDs. Brown has 22 carries for 104 yards and two TDs. Lyle gives Miami a third key RB in the rotation. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson seems to prefer using three RBs. Fletcher Jr., Lyle and Damien Martinez shared carries in 2024.

Trader had a breakout game in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl with three receptions for 61 yards and a TD. True freshman Malachi Toney, with 12 receptions for 162 yards and a TD against Notre Dame and LSU transfer C.J. Daniels, with 10 receptions for 119 yards and three scores, have over half the Miami receiving yards in 2025.

Trader should provide Miami quarterback Carson Beck with another target on a receiving corps with no one else having more than four receptions or 36 yards other than Daniels or Toney. Trader is the highest-rated receiver on the 2025 Miami roster.

Blount provides more depth to the Miami DL against what has been touted as a physical South Florida team. Blount had two tackles in eight games as a true freshman in 2024. Miami gains another versatile player on the DL with Blount, who can play edge rusher or tackle.

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