In-State Linebacker Commitment Gives SMU A Monster 2027 Win

SMU football recruiting just landed a serious tone-setter in the 2027 class.

Arlington Lamar linebacker Braylon Williams, a 6-2, 220-pound defensive hammer, announced Saturday that he’s committing to the Mustangs.

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And he didn’t exactly leave room for interpretation.

“Blessed to say I am 100000% COMMITTED TO THE SMU MUSTANGS,” Williams posted.

That’s a monster win for Rhett Lashlee’s staff, because Williams wasn’t choosing from a sleepy offer list.

Baylor, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Mississippi State were among the programs that had jumped into his recruitment.

SMU still got him.

Williams brings the kind of production that screams Power Four-ready.

As a junior at Arlington Lamar, he piled up 101 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.

He also added an interception and a fumble recovery, earning First Team All-Area honors while becoming one of the most disruptive defenders in North Texas.

He even moonlighted on offense, rushing for two touchdowns, which says plenty about his athleticism and toughness.

For SMU, this commitment is bigger than just adding another linebacker.

Williams gives the Mustangs a local defensive centerpiece in a loaded recruiting region, and it keeps momentum rolling as SMU continues trying to build an ACC-caliber roster with Texas speed and edge.

At Lamar, Williams will also help lead a new chapter.

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Former head coach Billy Skinner left to become Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s athletic director, while defensive coordinator Zach Najarro was promoted to head coach.

The Vikings made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2019, and with Williams back, Lamar has a defensive alpha ready to make more noise.

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