After serving a team suspension, dynamic playmaker Jordan Lyle returns to a depleted Miami Hurricanes backfield, providing a vital spark.
MIAMI, Fla. – After three weeks of handling a legal case and serving a team suspension, Miami Hurricanes junior running back Jordan Lyle made his long-awaited return to the field on Saturday against Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium.
In 16 snaps, the 21-year-old rushed six times for 16 yards and could’ve scored a touchdown, but he fumbled the ball in the end zone, which was then recovered by right guard Jamal Meriweather, crediting him with the score. Lyle’s return comes at a critical moment as redshirt junior running back CharMar “Marty” Brown was ruled out for the rest of the season with a severe right knee injury. As he continues to shake off rust, the more sharpened the Hurricanes’ run game will be.
“I thought Jordan, he’s going to be alright,” head coach Mario Cristobal told the media after the 52-3 win over Central Michigan. “He’s going to be back to form sooner than later.”
Lyle has proven to be a reliable running back. Before Mark Fletcher Jr. took over, he was supposed to take the next step, coming off a promising freshman campaign in 2024. Lyle rushed 54 times for 400 yards and scored four touchdowns. He averaged 7.4 yards a carry and dashed for a 91-yard touchdown against South Florida.
The Fort Lauderdale native has great speed and alluded to working on balance at the Hurricanes’ Media Day before fall camp. Lyle is versatile; he can run through to tackles or on the outside. In the 2024 season, the former freshman had an 83.7 pass-blocking grade. If Lyle regains that strong level of protection for quarterback Darian Mensah, it will further open up the offense.
As Cristobal stated before, every player on the field has earned a level of trust from the coaching staff and teammates. Although Lyle’s had to make up for lost time, “The U” brotherhood hasn’t appeared to bend, let alone break. He will likely continue to play in a reserve role, given that Fletcher Jr. is the primary starter, the emergence of freshman Javian Mallory, and sophomore Girard Pringle Jr. taking another step.
Regardless, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will attempt to spread the run game assignments evenly. Although Fletcher Jr. is the go-to option, Lyle’s progression this season will allow him to absorb more snaps.
The Hurricanes currently have the third-highest scoring offense in the Football Bowl Subdivision – a 51.8-point average. Part of the success comes from running the ball efficiently. Also, the Hurricanes have the 20th-best rushing offense in FBS.
Lyle’s return will help elevate the backfield production and strengthen the depth, despite Brown’s extended absence.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
