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At one point in his college football career, Tyler Van Dyke was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country and future first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Van Dyke starred for the Miami Hurricanes as a redshirt freshman in 2021, completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and six touchdowns.
Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee then left to become the head coach of the SMU Mustangs and Van Dyke’s production fell off a cliff. After difficult seasons in 2022 and 2023, Van Dyke transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers in 2024. But he started just three games in Madison before tearing his ACL.
Following the season, Van Dyke yet again entered the transfer portal. This time, however, he seemingly knew his destination. Van Dyke quickly committed to SMU where he’ll yet again team up with Lashlee in the ACC. But he won’t be the Mustangs’ starter in 2025.
Talked to Rhett Lashlee about the addition of Tyler Van Dyke at QB… “We didn’t bring him in to be the starter… or the backup.” TVD still rehabbing & unlikely ready for start of season. Prob redshirt year to train & rehab before 1 final go at a starting job in 2026.
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) January 16, 2025
SMU Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke Will Redshirt And Rehab Torn ACL In 2025
Lashlee informed ESPN’s David Hale on Thursday that Van Dyke intends to sit out the entire 2025 season. He will redshirt while continuing to rehab his torn ACL. Meanwhile, returning starter Kevin Jennings is expected to get the nod yet again for SMU.
Jennings threw for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2024. He added 345 yards and five touchdowns on the ground to lead the Mustangs to an ACC championship in their first season in the league. However, he struggled mightily in the College Football Playoff against Penn State, turning the ball over three times, including a pair of pick sixes in the first half.
Should Van Dyke follow through with the plan, he will return for his seventh season of college football in 2026. He will also be 25 years old by the time the 2026 season begins.