Sean Tyler

Tyler was a workhorse last season for Western Michigan, logging 209 carries for 1,027 yards and seven scores. After four productive years with the Broncos, Tyler initially decided to transfer to Oklahoma State before flipping to Minnesota. With the Gophers, he’ll have big shoes to fill after Mohammed Ibrahim racked up 1,665 yards and 20 touchdowns a season ago. Minnesota has relied heavily on the ground game in recent years while dealing with shakey seasons from former quarterback Tanner Morgan. As the Gophers break in a new starting quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, it’s reasonable to expect them to continue to ride the running game. Tyler has the experience and proven ability to be a very capable runner in the Big Ten. Minnesota does have some experience in the running back room behind Tyler in Zach Evans and Bryce Williams, but neither have proven to be a top-end lead back like Tyler. This is his backfield to lose, and he should see the vast majority of carries for the Gophers this fall.