By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the SMU Mustangs:
The skinny: Preparing for his third season at SMU, head coach Rhett Lashlee has guided the Mustangs to an impressive 18-9 record through 27 games. However, things are set to get a bit more difficult in 2024 with the Mustangs making a move to the ACC. To help prepare, SMU dove deep into the portal and came out victorious as they were able to both strengthen and solidify several positions. While last year’s AAC movers to the P5 (Houston, UCF, Cincinnati) struggled in their first season, SMU looks to be in position to make some waves in 2024.
Total # entries into portal: 22
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 15
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 0
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Key losses: OL Branson Hickman (Oklahoma), OL Marcus Bryant (Missouri)
Key additions: OL Andrew Chamblee (Arkansas), OL Savion Byrd (Oklahoma), OL Nate Anderson (Oklahoma), DL Anthony Booker (Arkansas), DL Jonathan Jefferson (Georgia), DL Mike Lockhart (West Virginia), DB Deuce Harmon (Texas A&M), OL Paris Patterson (Arkansas)
Final thoughts: The Mustangs sustained their only meaningful portal losses on the offensive line, with the departures of starters Branson Hickman and Marcus Bryant. However, they responded by reloading with Savion Byrd, Nate Anderson, Andrew Chamblee and Paris Patterson. Despite the losses, they still join some talented returnees so expect a few positional battles on the line during summer camp. The defensive line also received a big boost with the additions of Jonathan Jefferson, Anthony Booker and Mike Lockhart. While all three impressed during the spring, Jefferson has been especially dominant. Coach Lashlee has stockpiled an impressive amount of talent during his time in Dallas and now he will have the opportunity to showcase it at the P4 level.
