SMU offensive lineman Zion Nelson, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, running back Chris Johnson Jr., and wide receiver Romello Brison will face their former Miami teammates on Saturday when the Mustangs host the Hurricanes.
Brinson leads SMU with 37 receptions for 515 yards and three touchdowns and is a starter. Johnson is second on SMU with 42 carries, 314 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground and has added 13 receptions for 163 yards and another score. SMU leading rusher TJ Harden and Johnson are the co-starting RBs.
Brinson is probable against Miami and Johnson is questionable as listed on the Initial Student-Athlete Availability Reporting Update. Brinson is in his third year with SMU and Johnson, Nelson and Van Dyke are in their first season with the Mustangs.
Brinson has already set career highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns in his fifth season in college. The numbers Johnson has achieved in 2025 exceed the totals he had in two seasons with Miami.
Nelson has played in four games in 2025. After being a high NFL prospect at Miami, Nelson received his first snaps since 2022 in 2025. Nelson played in 35 games with 32 starts for Miami from 2019 through 2021 before a knee injury allowed him to play only one game from 2022 through 2024 for the Hurricanes.
Van Dyke completed 63.7 percent of his pass attempts for 7,891 yards, 55 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with 58 rushing yards and three scores. The ACC named Van Dyke the Offensive Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Year when he completed 62.3 percent of his attempts for 2,931 yards and 25 TDs.
Tight end R.J. Maryland, the son of 1990 Outland Trophy winner Russell Maryland, with Miami, is another SMU player with a huge connection to the Hurricanes. Maryland has 105 career receptions for 1,391 receiving yards and 19 TDs playing all four seasons at SMU.