SMU taps Riley Dodge to cultivate Dallas talent and energize its offense, betting on local roots and portal savvy for future wins.
SMU has never hidden its intentions. When the Mustangs make a hire, it’s usually because they believe it moves the program forward, not just next season, but two and three years down the road.
Bringing in Riley Dodge fits that exact mold.
This wasn’t about chasing buzz or grabbing the hottest name on the market. It was about fit.
SMU needed a coach who understands Dallas recruiting, speaks the language of the transfer portal, and can mesh with a staff that has evolved under Rhett Lashlee.
Dodge checks every one of those boxes.
Lashlee didn’t stay inside his usual coaching circle on this one, and that’s telling. He knows Dodge well enough to trust what he brings without needing a long audition.
This hire wasn’t about rolling the dice - it was about betting on familiarity, relationships, and a shared understanding of what North Texas football actually looks like on the ground.
SMU has leaned into local roots before, and it’s rarely been an accident.
From high school pipelines to DFW-area assistants, the Mustangs know that winning locally matters. Dodge, who built a powerhouse at Southlake Carroll, arrives with instant credibility in that space.
When he calls a coach or prospect, he’s not introducing himself - he’s continuing a conversation.
That matters more than ever in today’s recruiting climate. The portal moves fast, and relationships often decide who answers the phone. Dodge has coached players now scattered across Power Four programs, which gives SMU a practical edge when evaluating who can actually help right away versus who just looks good on paper.
His first priority will be the tight end room, a spot that needs immediate production.
Whether that solution comes from a headline transfer or a quieter addition, SMU wants someone who can contribute now.
Dodge’s background allows the staff to be selective rather than desperate - a luxury not every program has in December.
While other programs scramble to fill spots, the Mustangs can evaluate, recruit, and plan with intention.
This hire signals something bigger than one position group. It’s another step toward a more flexible, portal-savvy SMU that still values its roots. In modern college football, that balance is hard to strike.
SMU believes Riley Dodge is the right guy to help them keep it.