Gophers Lock In Key Starters for Rate Bowl and 2026 Return - With NIL Backing
PHOENIX - Minnesota football got a big boost on Tuesday, and not just on the field. Four key players - offensive linemen Greg Johnson and Nathan Roy, plus defensive backs John Nestor and Kerry Brown - confirmed they’ll not only suit up for the Gophers in the upcoming Rate Bowl against New Mexico, but they’re also committed to returning for the 2026 season.
The announcement came through a unique NIL campaign powered by Dinkytown Athletes, Minnesota’s official name, image and likeness collective. The campaign, presented in partnership with Cub Foods, spotlighted the players’ decisions in a social media rollout - part of a broader effort to keep talent in-house and reward loyalty in the new era of college football.
Let’s break down what this means for the Gophers - both in the short term and as they look ahead to 2026.
Trench Anchors Return: Johnson and Roy
You don’t build a Big Ten contender without a strong offensive line, and Minnesota is bringing back two of its most important pieces.
Greg Johnson, a rock at guard all season, started all 12 regular-season games and logged nearly 700 snaps. The Prior Lake native didn’t just eat up reps - he graded out as Minnesota’s top-performing starting lineman in 2025, posting a 75.3 overall mark from Pro Football Focus.
That’s the kind of consistency and toughness coaches dream about. He’ll be back for his senior season, and his return gives the Gophers a proven veteran presence up front.
On the other side of the line, Nathan Roy stepped into a major role as a redshirt freshman and didn’t flinch. The Mukwonago, Wisconsin product manned the left tackle spot - arguably the most demanding position on the line - and led the team in total snaps with 702.
His 69.0 PFF grade is solid, especially for a young player thrown into the fire. Roy’s development curve is trending in the right direction, and he’ll return as a redshirt sophomore with valuable experience under his belt.
Secondary Stability: Nestor and Brown
Minnesota’s secondary took some hits during the year, but John Nestor emerged as a key playmaker after transferring in from Iowa. The Chicago native started 10 games and quickly became the Gophers’ most reliable cornerback, leading the team with five interceptions.
He added 47 tackles across 538 snaps - a strong debut campaign in maroon and gold. Nestor will be back for his senior season, giving the Gophers a veteran ballhawk in the back end.
Kerry Brown, meanwhile, continued to do a little bit of everything for Minnesota’s defense. The versatile safety/nickel hybrid from Naples, Florida, was fourth on the team in tackles with 55 and added two interceptions in 579 snaps.
He’s a glue guy in the secondary - the kind of player who fills multiple roles and brings a steady presence in coverage and run support. Brown will return as a redshirt junior in 2026, and his return helps solidify a unit that’s seen its share of turnover.
What’s Next?
While these four players are the first wave of the NIL campaign, more current Gophers are expected to join the initiative. Importantly, just because a player wasn’t included in this rollout doesn’t mean they’re headed for the transfer portal. Quarterback Drake Lindsey, for example, already announced his return for 2026, and several others have quietly confirmed they’ll be back.
Still, there are a few names whose futures haven’t been publicly clarified yet - including defensive end Anthony Smith, safety Koi Perich, and running back Darius Taylor. Their decisions will further shape what Minnesota looks like heading into the offseason.
But for now, this is a clear win for the Gophers. They’re retaining core contributors on both sides of the ball, rewarding them through NIL, and sending a message: Minnesota is serious about building from within. And with the Rate Bowl just days away, the timing couldn’t be better.