SMU Recruiting Tracker: Who’s Next for the Mustangs?

SMU continues to build serious momentum on the recruiting trail, landing talented prospects that are ready to elevate the program to another level. With the Mustangs making noise across Texas and beyond, the future in Dallas is starting to look brighter than ever. From explosive playmakers to dominant trench talent, SMU is putting together a class filled with speed, toughness, and upside. Here's a closer look at some of the names helping shape the next era of Mustangs football. Here are the recent commits for the mustangs:   COMMITS:    Trey is a dynamic wide receiver with the ability to change a game every time the ball touches his hands. He brings a smooth combination of speed, route running, and body control that allows him to create separation consistently against defensive backs. Haralson does an excellent job tracking the football downfield and attacking it at its highest point, making him a dangerous vertical threat.   What stands out most is his playmaking ability after the catch. He's elusive in open space, shows quick acceleration, and has the vision to turn short gains into explosive plays. Haralson also competes at a high level, showing toughness through contact and confidence in contested-catch situations. His ability to line up in multiple spots gives offenses flexibility and creates matchup problems for defenses.     On film, Ford flashes the traits of a high-upside offensive tackle who plays with power and confidence in the trenches. He comes off the ball aggressively and does a great job using his size and strength to overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. In the run game, he consistently creates running lanes by driving defenders off the ball and finishing blocks through the whistle. His physicality stands out immediately, and he plays with the mentality coaches love from an offensive lineman.   As a pass protector, Ford shows good footwork and patience for a young tackle. He stays balanced in his sets, keeps defenders in front of him, and uses his length effectively to control edge rushers. His hand placement continues to improve, but the natural strength and anchor ability are already there. He also moves well in space, showing the ability to climb to the second level and make blocks in the open field.   One of the biggest things that stands out on film is his upside. Ford has the frame, athleticism, and toughness to continue developing into a dominant tackle at the next level.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-11.29.20-AM.png?w=967" alt="" class="wp-image-2213440" /></figure>     Amari is a disruptive defensive lineman who brings a strong mix of power, effort, and explosiveness to the trenches. He plays with a relentless motor and consistently creates problems for opposing offensive lines with his physicality at the point of attack. One of the first things that stands out on film is how quickly he fires off the ball, using his burst to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays before they can fully develop.   He shows good strength in the run game, holding his ground against blockers while also shedding quickly to locate the football. Amari plays with aggressive hands and does a solid job fighting through contact, allowing him to collapse running lanes and pressure quarterbacks from the interior. His toughness and competitive energy show up every snap, and he brings the type of intensity defenses feed off of.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/image_a920a6.png?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-2213437" style="aspect-ratio:0.7997990094034886;width:366px;height:auto" /></figure>    With currently three in-state commits already locked in for the 2027 class, SMU Mustangs football is continuing to build serious momentum across Texas. The Mustangs are far from done, as the staff continues to aggressively pursue some of the top rising prospects in the state. With recruiting momentum growing and relationships getting stronger, SMU is aiming to reel in even more elite talent and put together one of the program's strongest classes in recent years. Here some of the SMU Top Targets.    Braylon is the type of linebacker every defense wants in the middle of the field — physical, instinctive, and constantly around the football. He plays with a downhill mentality, triggering quickly against the run and attacking gaps before plays can develop. When he sees the ball, he doesn't hesitate, and that urgency shows up in how consistently he finishes tackles in space.   On film, what stands out most is his toughness and pursuit. Braylon plays sideline to sideline with strong effort, rarely taking plays off, and he shows the ability to track down ball carriers even when the play breaks outside. He's disciplined in reading his keys, which allows him to stay in position and make clean, decisive stops rather than chasing the action.   He also brings value as a physical tackler who wraps up and brings real pop on contact. Whether it's meeting running backs in the hole or stepping up on short throws over the middle, he plays with controlled aggression and confidence. As he continues to refine his coverage skills and expand his range in space, his impact will only grow.   With SMU, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Mississippi State in his top group, Braylon is clearly a highly valued defensive piece. Can SMU Get Braylon to become a mustang, we will find out on June 26.     Khing is a defensive lineman who brings a strong mix of power and effort at the point of attack. He plays with active hands and shows the ability to hold his ground against double teams, which makes him a reliable interior presence. What stands out most is his motor—he doesn't take plays off and consistently works to stay involved even when initially blocked. He also flashes the ability to shed and redirect toward the ball, showing some natural instincts in run defense. As he continues to develop his pad level and add more pass-rush moves, his impact on the next level has the potential to grow even more as a disruptive interior force.     Trenton is an aggressive, lengthy corner who brings a strong physical presence to the secondary. He isn't afraid to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, using his length to disrupt timing and force tough releases. In coverage, he shows good recovery ability and the competitiveness to stay attached through routes, especially downfield. His physical style stands out—he plays with confidence and doesn't shy away from contact in run support, making him more than just a coverage corner.   What also stands out is his willingness to compete every snap, even when he's tested vertically or put in isolation. He has the tools to mirror receivers in man coverage and flashes the ability to read the quarterback and break on the ball when opportunities come. As he continues to refine his footwork, improve his transitions out of breaks, and sharpen his anticipation in zone concepts, Trenton has the upside to develop into a reliable, matchup-driven defender on the outside who can lock down top targets.     Jayden is an offensive tackle who brings a strong foundation of size, toughness, and competitive edge to the position. He plays with a physical mentality that shows up immediately on contact, especially in the run game where he works to finish blocks and create real movement at the point of attack. Once he gets his hands on defenders, he has the strength to control reps and keep them sealed off from the play.   In pass protection, he shows encouraging moments where he stays balanced and absorbs power well, using his frame to hold his ground against bull rushes. He's more effective when he sets early and establishes inside leverage, which allows him to neutralize strength-based rushers. The next step in his development is consistency—improving his kick-slide, tightening his hand placement, and reacting quicker to speed off the edge.     Landen is a top-tier running back who has the skill set to be an instant impact player at the next level with SMU Mustangs football. He runs with a strong blend of burst, balance, and vision, allowing him to consistently find and exploit running lanes both inside and outside the tackles. Once he hits the second level, he has the acceleration to separate from defenders and turn routine gains into explosive plays.   What makes him especially dangerous is his patience behind the line of scrimmage he allows blocks to develop, then makes decisive cuts with confidence. He also shows natural contact balance, bouncing off defenders and finishing runs with toughness and forward lean. In the passing game, he's capable of being a reliable outlet, whether it's catching the ball out of the backfield or picking up blitz protection responsibilities.     Blake is a defensive back who stands out with strong overall ball skills and a consistent ability to make plays when the ball is in the air. He shows natural instincts in coverage, locating the football early and tracking it well through the catch point. His ability to come down with interceptions highlights his timing, confidence, and hand-eye coordination as a defender.   In coverage, Blake does a good job staying engaged with receivers and reacting once the ball is thrown, allowing him to break on routes and create turnovers. He also brings reliability in run support, where his tackling is solid and he's willing to step up and finish plays in space     Daylon put together a true all-purpose impact season, showing he can influence the game in multiple phases and never comes off the field when it matters. Finishing with 2,096 total all-purpose yards, he proved to be a dynamic offensive weapon and a reliable playmaker in space.   On the ground, he totaled 1,063 rushing yards on 169 carries, showing consistency, vision, and toughness between the tackles. He runs with balance and patience, allowing blocks to develop before hitting lanes with decisive acceleration. As a receiver, he added 565 yards on 38 catches, highlighting his versatility and ability to create mismatches in space. Whether lined up in the backfield or flexed out, he shows natural hands and the ability to turn short throws into explosive gains.   He also contributed heavily in the return game with 315 yards, adding another layer of explosiveness and field-flipping ability. On top of that, he even recorded 153 passing yards and an interception, showing he's trusted in multiple roles and competitive on both sides of the ball when needed     Jones is a defensive lineman who brings a strong, physical presence at the point of attack. He plays with good initial leverage and shows the strength to hold his ground against interior run blocks, making him a reliable anchor in the trenches. When he locks in, he can occupy blockers and help free up teammates to flow to the ball.   He flashes active hands and a developing ability to disengage and work through contact, which allows him to make occasional plays in the backfield. His motor stands out as well he consistently pursues plays down the line and stays engaged through the whistle.     Jason is a power defensive lineman who wins with brute strength, effort, and a heavy presence inside. He plays with a low center of gravity and shows the ability to hold double teams, making it tough for offenses to move him off his spot in the run game. His physical style immediately shows up on film, as he looks to set the tone at the line of scrimmage on every snap.   He flashes the ability to reset the line of scrimmage when he gets good leverage, and he doesn't shy away from contact. Jason is at his best when he's playing downhill, attacking gaps, and using his strength to squeeze running lanes. Even when he's initially blocked, he continues to fight through and stay involved in the play.     Haley is a defensive lineman who really stands out for his consistency, technique, and nonstop effort at the point of attack. He does a strong job using his hands to control blockers, which allows him to stay clean through contact and remain active in plays even when he's initially engaged. One of his biggest strengths is leverage he consistently plays low, gets underneath offensive linemen, and makes it difficult for opponents to generate movement in the run game.   He also shows good awareness in diagnosing plays quickly. Whether it's inside zone, outside stretch, or a quick pass set, Haley reacts with discipline and doesn't overcommit early. That allows him to stay in position and finish plays rather than getting washed out of gaps.     Cooper is a tight end who brings a dependable, well-balanced skill set that translates in multiple phases of the game. As a receiver, he shows natural hands and strong concentration, consistently securing throws in traffic and finishing catches through contact. He's comfortable working the middle of the field, where his awareness stands out—he finds space against zone coverage and presents a reliable target on timing routes, especially on third down or red-zone situations.   What makes him effective is how steady he is within the structure of the offense. He doesn't force plays, but instead works to stay available, adjust to his quarterback, and complete his routes with purpose. He shows enough athletic ability to separate on short and intermediate routes, particularly when attacking seams, flats, or settling into soft areas behind linebackers.     Jenkins is a defensive lineman who brings a steady, physical presence up front and consistently plays with effort and toughness in the trenches. He stands out for his ability to hold his ground at the point of attack, using good base strength and leverage to stay firm against the run. When blockers come off the ball, he doesn't get easily moved—he absorbs contact well and works to maintain his gap integrity.   What he does well is stay disciplined within his assignment. Jenkins doesn't over-pursue or lose structure often; instead, he reads blocks and reacts in control, which helps him stay reliable in run defense. He shows the ability to shed blockers when he times his hands right, and when he does disengage cleanly, he can get involved in finishing plays near the line of scrimmage.   He also brings a consistent motor. Even when he's not initially in the play, he continues to work down the line and stay engaged, which leads to cleanup tackles and extended effort stops. That type of persistence makes him valuable in longer drives where effort and discipline matter.     Marsh Jr is a defensive lineman who plays with a physical edge and a clear willingness to compete on every snap. He shows up as a high-effort interior presence who doesn't just rely on size or strength, but instead works to stay active and involved through the whistle. His style is straightforward and aggressive, especially when attacking blocks early in the play.   What he does well is stay disruptive in crowded spaces. Even when he doesn't win clean off the line, he keeps his feet moving and continues fighting through contact, which allows him to create late pressure or force runners to adjust their path. He has a knack for staying in the play longer than expected, which often leads to him being around the ball at the finish.   In run defense, he brings solid physicality and shows he's willing to take on blockers without backing down.     Walker is a defensive lineman who brings a strong, physical presence at the point of attack and consistently plays with a competitive edge. He stands out for his ability to hold his ground against the run, showing good lower-body strength and leverage that allows him to absorb contact without getting displaced. When he's locked in, he does a solid job controlling his gap and forcing plays to bounce outside.   What makes Walker effective is his combination of effort and awareness. He stays active through blocks, keeps his feet moving, and rarely gives up on a play early. That motor shows up in pursuit, where he works hard down the line of scrimmage and consistently finds ways to get involved near the football. He also shows improving hand usage, which helps him create separation and avoid being completely tied up by offensive linemen.   In pass-rush situations, Walker flashes moments where his strength can collapse the pocket, especially when he gains inside leverage.     Elijajuan is a defensive back who brings a competitive, instinctive presence to the secondary and continues to trend upward as a playmaker in coverage. He shows good awareness in zone concepts, quickly reading the quarterback's eyes and breaking on the ball with confidence. When the ball is in the air, he has the ability to close space and make plays, showing natural timing and anticipation rather than just reacting late.   In man coverage, he competes well at the line of scrimmage and doesn't shy away from matching up with receivers physically. He shows solid hip fluidity for his position, allowing him to stay attached through short and intermediate routes. What stands out most is his willingness to challenge throws—he plays with confidence and isn't afraid to step in front of routes when he sees an opportunity.   Against the run, Elijajuan is active and engaged. He triggers downhill quickly when he diagnoses run, showing toughness as a tackler and a willingness to help set the edge or clean up plays in space. He doesn't hesitate to support the front seven and brings a physical mindset for a defensive back. Elijajuan is set to commit on May 29th , SMU, Arizona State and UCLA are in the mix.     Mcgee is a defensive back who stands out as a confident, competitive cover man with the tools to match up against quality receivers in one-on-one situations. What he does best is play with strong awareness in coverage—he reads route concepts well and shows the ability to stay composed when the ball is in the air. That poise allows him to consistently stay in position to make plays rather than chasing after the fact.   In man coverage, Mcgee shows good footwork and the ability to mirror receivers through short and intermediate routes. He doesn't panic when tested vertically and has the recovery speed to stay attached even when receivers try to push him deep. His competitiveness shows up in contested situations—he's willing to challenge catches and fight through the catch point.   He's also effective in zone coverage, where his vision and anticipation allow him to break on throws quickly. When he diagnoses plays early, he closes space fast and becomes a real threat to disrupt timing windows. That combination of awareness and urgency helps him generate turnover opportunities.   Against the run, Mcgee is active and willing in support. He triggers downhill with confidence and shows solid tackling ability in space, helping limit yards after contact and forcing ball carriers to stay honest on the perimeter.     Gavin is a tight end who brings a steady, physical presence to the offense and consistently impacts the game through effort, reliability, and toughness. In the passing game, he shows strong concentration and reliable hands, especially in tight coverage situations where the ball is thrown into traffic. He doesn't shy away from contact and does a good job securing catches through hits, making him a trusted option in chain-moving situations.   He is effective working underneath routes and does a good job settling into open windows against zone coverage. What stands out is his awareness after the catch he stays balanced through contact and fights for additional yards, often turning short completions into productive gains through effort alone rather than pure speed.   As a blocker, Gavin brings a physical mindset. He engages defenders with good intent, works to maintain contact, and shows a willingness to get involved in the run game.     Buck is a dual-threat quarterback who brings a high-energy, playmaking style that forces defenses to stay disciplined on every snap. He's most dangerous when the play breaks down, but he's also capable of operating within structure and keeping the offense on schedule when protected.   As a passer, Buck shows solid mechanics when he's in rhythm he can drive the ball to the perimeter, hit quick timing routes, and work the intermediate middle of the field with confidence. He's comfortable reading half field concepts and shows improvement in recognizing coverage rotations pre snap. When he trusts his base, his ball placement allows receivers to stay in stride and pick up yards after the catch.   What really elevates his game is his movement ability. Buck has quick feet in the pocket and the awareness to slide away from pressure instead of taking unnecessary hits.     Eli is a defensive back who consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time, showing a strong natural feel for the game. What stands out most is his ability to stay around the football—he has a knack for reading plays early and closing space quickly once the ball is released. That anticipation allows him to consistently impact plays, whether it's breaking up passes or getting involved in the catch point.   In coverage, Eli shows good awareness in both man and zone concepts. He doesn't drift out of position easily and does a solid job maintaining leverage through routes. When he sees the quarterback's eyes lock in, he reacts with urgency and confidence, which helps him disrupt timing windows and limit easy completions.   He's also active and willing in run support. Eli triggers downhill with purpose, shows toughness as a tackler, and isn't afraid to step into contact to help finish plays. That physical mindset adds value beyond just coverage responsibilities.     Alex is an offensive lineman who plays with a tough, no-nonsense style and consistently competes in the trenches. He shows a strong understanding of leverage, using his lower body well to stay anchored when defenders try to drive through him. That foundation allows him to be effective in physical matchups where strength and balance are required snap after snap.   One of his key traits is effort through contact—he keeps his feet active after engagement and works to sustain blocks rather than just initiating them. In the run game, he shows the ability to latch on and stay connected, helping to steer defenders out of running lanes and create workable space for the ball carrier. He's most effective when he plays with aggression and commits fully to finishing reps.   In pass protection, Alex is more steady than flashy. He does a good job recognizing immediate threats and keeping himself in position to absorb contact. While he may not rely heavily on quick twitch athleticism, he compensates with awareness and a strong base that helps him stay controlled when facing power rushers.    SMU Mustangs recruiting is building steady momentum, especially across the state of Texas. With multiple in state commits already in the 2027 class, the program is showing it can consistently identify and secure emerging talent early in the process.   The staff is being aggressive in its evaluations and strong in relationship-building, getting on prospects early and staying involved throughout their recruitments. That approach has helped SMU stay in the mix for players who are also attracting attention from larger national programs.   Moving forward, the class is trending in a positive direction as SMU continues to target athletic, developmental prospects who fit what they want on both sides of the ball. If this momentum continues, they are positioned to strengthen their in-state recruiting presence and steadily raise the overall ceiling of their future classes.

SMU continues to build serious momentum on the recruiting trail, landing talented prospects that are ready to elevate the program to another level. With the Mustangs making noise across Texas and beyond, the future in Dallas is starting to look brighter than ever. From explosive playmakers to dominant trench talent, SMU is putting together a class filled with speed, toughness, and upside. Here's a closer look at some of the names helping shape the next era of Mustangs football. Here are the recent commits for the mustangs: