SMU football coach Rob Likens says the Mustangs’ wide receivers are attacking spring practice with energy, toughness and a competitive edge.
SMU football is getting a clearer picture of its wide receiver room this spring, and wide receivers coach Rob Likens likes what he’s seeing.
As SMU spring practice rolls on, the Mustangs are working through the usual growing pains that come with transfers, early enrollees and young players stepping into larger roles, but the room is already showing signs of progress.
That starts with competition. Likens made it clear that adding transfers Jalen Hale and Yannick Smith wasn’t meant to shake the room negatively. Instead, he said the response from returning players confirmed SMU has the right mindset at receiver.
Nobody backed down from the challenge. In fact, the added talent appears to have pushed the group forward, which is exactly what the staff wanted to see during spring football.
Likens also said SMU’s secondary has taken a noticeable step, calling the group more physical and more competitive than at this point in prior seasons.
That daily back-and-forth has helped sharpen the receivers, who are being forced to elevate their play against a tougher defensive backfield.
Several young wideouts stood out in his update. Jakai Anderson, one of SMU’s early-enrolled freshmen, impressed before a hamstring injury sidelined him.
Likens pointed to his speed, fearless style and potential value as a punt returner. Aljour Miles is still adjusting to the college game physically, but the staff loves his coachability and believes that mindset will help him develop quickly.
Jalen Cooper drew praise for improving in contested-catch situations and as a blocker. Isaiah Robinson continues to be viewed as one of the room’s most dependable players, while Carterrius Brown flashed his big-body potential with catches over the middle.
Daylon Singleton, who missed practice because of a family matter, remains one of the most naturally gifted receivers on the roster.
For SMU football, that’s an encouraging mix of talent, depth and urgency as the Mustangs build toward summer workouts and the 2026 season.
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