SMU football enters spring practice with major questions at cornerback, left tackle and wide receiver as Rhett Lashlee’s roster battles for key roles.
SMU football is heading into spring practice with real momentum, but also with some very real questions that could shape the 2026 season.
Rhett Lashlee’s program has talent across the roster, yet a handful of spots will draw the most attention as the Mustangs begin sorting out who’s ready to take control.
SMU’s cornerback room is under the spotlight after a 2025 season that featured too many explosive plays allowed through the air.
That makes players like Marcellus Barnes, Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, "Speedy" Nettles and "Jholly" worth watching closely this spring.
Barnes, in particular, feels like a major name to track. If he finally puts together a healthy offseason and begins flashing as a true lockdown option, the entire defense could benefit.
The other huge question is at left tackle.
Protecting quarterback Kevin Jennings’ blind side is one of the biggest priorities on the roster, and the spring battle there could become one of the defining stories of camp.
Andrew Chamblee, Dramodd Odoms and Max Wright all bring intrigue, but SMU has to leave spring with a clearer answer at the position. Jennings is entering a critical final year, and keeping him upright will matter just as much as any skill position upgrade.
There’s also major intrigue at wide receiver and tight end.
SMU added talent, but now the question is which pass catchers separate from the pack. Yannick Smith, Jalen Hale, Link Rhoades, Jalen Cooper, Carterrious Brown and Isaiah Robertson all enter spring with something to prove, while the tight end room gets fresh energy with Theo Melin Ohrstrom, Randy Pittman and Trey Jackson battling for snaps.
Defensively, linebacker and safety should be fun to watch too. Jamal Anderson and Caden Marshall add juice at linebacker, while Jaylen Moses looks like one of the better breakout candidates in the secondary.
If there’s one thing spring practice should reveal, it’s this ... SMU has options.
Now the Mustangs need answers. And if the right players emerge over the next few weeks, this team could head into the fall looking even more dangerous than expected.
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