SMU expected to be active once again in transfer portal

SMU Football is expected to be active once again in the transfer portal window that began on Tuesday. There’s expected to be some attrition, but also some key spots to be filled for the Mustangs.

Here’s the rundown on what to expect as the portal window, which runs April 16-30, gets underway.

Trenches key for SMU once again

SMU is always going to keep an eye out for help in the trenches and the spring transfer portal window is no different. The question is who will be in the portal and who will the staff target?

Offensive tackle is a need still to bolster depth at the position for the season. The younger crop of linemen like Sean Scott and incoming junior college offensive tackle Anfernee Crease are going to take a minute longer to develop. If that’s the case, bringing in an offensive tackle is important. We expect Garin Justice to try and reel in an offensive tackle.

Arkansas offensive tackle Andrew Chamblee is expected to be one of the top offensive tackles in the transfer portal when it opens.

The former four-star recruit spent the last two seasons with the Razorbacks and announced his plans to enter the portal last month. He redshirted the 2022 season but started eight games this past year, earning a selection onto the All-SEC Freshman Team. Chamblee played 405 snaps, which was the sixth most on the Razorbacks’ offensive line. He had a 40.9 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and a 55.9 run-blocking grade.

A source close to the situation told On3 that a few schools have emerged as top destinations to watch for the redshirt freshman. Florida State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and SMU are expected to be in the mix, per On3’s Pete Nakos. That said, SMU isn’t going into the window with a player that it’s expected to land. Based on conversations with sources, that’d put Chamblee as a likely safety blanket option.

Flipping to the defensive tackle spot, SMU would love to find one more piece here. It’s not easy and it’s certainly competitive, but another talented defensive tackle would make a group that looks really good even better.

Will corner be addressed?

SMU lost two starters in the cornerback room and the staff brought in Deuce Harmon to fill the void of a veteran starter. That said, Rickey Hunley’s group still needs a difference maker to step up. With that being the case, the staff is undoubtedly looking for another corner. Young talent like AJ Davis, Jaelyn Davis-Robinson and others are all pushing Harmon and Jahari Rogers, but questions about the group are still there.

Like defensive tackle, SMU’s not going into the portal window with a sure thing type of transfer to land. It’s up in the air.

As a potentially smaller storyline, SMU could take a best available type of defensive back at any spot with the caveat that the player could very well redshirt at safety or nickel. There’s talent and tons of depth at both of those spots, but solidifying the group for next year (like Ashton Cozart landing at SMU for wideout) could be looked at.

SMU’s roster retention efforts

The staff lost Bryant and Hickman to the portal, but for the most part, we’re not expecting any fireworks for the spring window when it comes to unexpected transfers. SMU’s staff is prioritizing retaining its roster and that’s been the push overall.

With Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings both at quarterback, the staff would ideally get through the window without losing either. Things appear to be in a good spot to do that, but like with anything in the world of the portal, it’s a concern until you’re through to the other side of the portal window.

There will be some natural attrition off SMU’s roster, but as it stands, the team is in good shape scholarship wise to make some additions and retain the group Lashlee’s staff has assembled.

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