PHOENIX — Four key players from the Gophers football team participated in a distinctive media initiative on Tuesday. Offensive linemen Greg Johnson and Nathan Roy, along with defensive backs John Nestor and Kerry Brown, took part in a campaign organized by the Gophers” NIL collective, Dinkytown Athletes. This campaign announced their participation in the upcoming Rate Bowl against New Mexico on Friday, as well as their decision to return to Minnesota for the 2026 season.
The social media announcements were sponsored by Cub Foods, and these players will benefit from the grocer”s NIL contributions in the following year. Additional current players are anticipated to join this NIL initiative, but the absence of some players from this specific announcement does not imply they will leave the program and enter the transfer portal.
For example, quarterback Drake Lindsey stated two weeks ago that he plans to return to Minnesota for his redshirt sophomore season in 2026. Other teammates have also indicated their intention to remain with the Gophers for the next year.
Meanwhile, the future status of defensive end Anthony Smith, safety Koi Perich, and running back Darius Taylor remains unclear as they have not yet made their intentions public.
Johnson, who played a pivotal role as a guard and started all 12 regular-season games, is set to return for his senior season in the fall. The native of Prior Lake demonstrated impressive performance, logging nearly 700 snaps and earning the title of Minnesota”s highest-graded starting offensive lineman in 2025 with a grade of 75.3 from Pro Football Focus.
Roy, stepping into the role of left tackle during his redshirt freshman year, excelled as well, recording a team-high 702 snaps and achieving a grade of 69.0 according to Pro Football Focus. The Mukwanago, Wisconsin, native will be back for his redshirt sophomore year.
Nestor, who transferred from the Iowa Hawkeyes last year, proved to be a reliable cornerback for Minnesota, starting 10 out of 12 games. The Chicago native registered a team-high five interceptions and added 47 tackles over 538 snaps. He is set to enter his senior year in 2026.
Brown has been a crucial component of Minnesota”s defense for the second consecutive season. The safety and nickelback from Naples, Florida, ranked fourth on the team with 55 tackles and contributed two interceptions during 579 snaps. He will return for his redshirt junior year in 2026.
As the Rate Bowl approaches, the Gophers are looking to build momentum not only for their bowl game but also for the future with these returning players.
