SMU football placed a program-record eight players on the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society after a 9-4 season and Holiday Bowl victory.
DALLAS - SMU football added another major off-field milestone this week, and it says plenty about where the program stands under Rhett Lashlee.
The Mustangs placed a school-record eight players on the 2026 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, a recognition reserved for college football players who combine strong academic achievement with meaningful on-field contributions.
For SMU, the list included Zakye Barker, Stone Eby, TJ Harden, Matthew Hibner, Jeffrey M'ba, Addison Nichols, Logan Parr and Keveion'ta Spears.
To qualify, players must be in their final year of eligibility or already hold a degree, post at least a 3.2 GPA and play a significant role for their team.
That makes the honor more than a classroom award. It highlights players who handled real football responsibility while still excelling academically, and several of SMU’s selections were central to the Mustangs’ 9-4 season and Trust & Will Holiday Bowl win.
TJ Harden led the SMU rushing attack with 787 yards and nine touchdowns, producing two 100-yard games and giving the offense a reliable ground presence all season.
Tight end Matthew Hibner delivered a career-best year with 31 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns, earning Mackey Award semifinalist recognition along the way.
On defense, Jeffrey M'ba made his lone season at SMU count, posting 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks while picking up All-ACC honorable mention honors.
Up front, Addison Nichols and Logan Parr helped anchor an offensive line that powered an attack averaging 283.1 passing yards per game, a mark that ranked 12th nationally.
The unit also allowed only 19 sacks, one of the better figures in the ACC.
The eight honorees are the most in SMU history, another sign of the program’s growth.
It also continues a remarkable streak, as the Mustangs remain one of the few schools nationally to produce at least one Hampshire Honor Society selection every year since the award began in 2007.
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