SMU’s 2024 recruiting class, ranking last in the ACC with just 10 commitments, might appear dismal on paper.
The conference, known for its competitive edge and streamlining players to the NFL welcomed the Mustangs alongside Stanford and Cal in a significant expansion move. While Stanford managed to sign the No. 6 class in the ACC, and Cal found itself in the middle of the pack, SMU’s entry could be likened to entering a gunfight armed with a slingshot. However, it’s essential to remember that battles are not won on Signing Day, but on the gridiron, where determination, development, and strategy play out in real-time.
SMU’s $100 million facility overhaul and impending ACC debut have ignited unparalleled enthusiasm among blue-chip recruits. Additionally, the Mustangs enjoy substantial financial backing and access to Texas’s prolific recruiting territory, providing an ideal environment for attracting top-tier talent.
At the heart of SMU’s class is Ka’Davion Dotson, a three-star safety from Texas, who, despite the modest star rating, has been pegged as the most “college-ready” player in the Mustangs’ haul. While depth at the safety position might initially limit his on-field contributions, Dotson’s track background and undeniable athleticism hint at a potential for significant impact down the line. It’s a reminder that stars do not always predict success, and in players like Dotson, SMU might have unearthed gems ready to be polished. Look for Scott Symons to get Dotson on the field early.
The transition to the ACC was never going to be seamless for SMU. The Mustangs, under the guidance of head coach Rhett Lashlee, are stepping into a league where the competition level takes a discernible leap. Lashlee, however, is no stranger to overcoming odds. Since taking over the reins, he’s led SMU to its best season since the early ’80s, culminating in an AAC Championship in 2023. The move to the ACC is another chapter in Lashlee’s journey of building a program that can not only compete but thrive among the elite. With a focus on developing talent and a coaching staff adept at maximizing player potential, SMU’s current recruiting class ranking is but a starting point, not a determinant of future success.
Lashlee, bringing his dynamic offense back to the ACC after a stint as the offensive coordinator under Manny Diaz at Miami, is poised to make waves, proving that the Mustangs’ ascendance is no fluke.
The Mustangs have already begun to lay the groundwork for improvement. The commitment from portal players like Jahfari Harvey and Brashard Smith, both transfers from Miami, signals an intent to strengthen the squad with experienced talent. Smith can be a national name under Rhett Lashlee, whom he committed to while at Miami.
The portrayal surrounding SMU’s 2024 recruiting class is not one of doom and gloom but rather a prologue to what could be a compelling underdog story. In sports, as in life, the path to success is often nonlinear. For SMU, the current state of affairs is a challenge to be met with the same grit and determination that has characterized their rise thus far. The ACC might not know it yet, but in dismissing the Mustangs based on their recruiting class alone, they might just be underestimating the heart of a team ready to prove its mettle against the odds.
