SMU football used the spring transfer portal to reload around Kevin Jennings, adding pass catchers, defensive help and proven depth for a 2026 ACC push.
SMU football didn’t treat the 2026 transfer portal cycle like a total rebuild. Instead, the Mustangs used it like a contender trying to tighten the screws around a roster that still believes it can challenge for the ACC title.
That’s why the early reviews of SMU football transfer portal work have been mostly positive, especially with Kevin Jennings returning to lead the offense.
Keeping Jennings in Dallas gave Rhett Lashlee and SMU a stable foundation, which allowed the staff to spend the offseason upgrading the pieces around him instead of scrambling for a new quarterback.
From there, the Mustangs attacked two obvious needs in more weapons in the passing game and more help on defense.
The receiver and tight end additions stand out right away. Yannick Smith, who arrived from East Carolina, brings proven production with more than 1,000 career receiving yards and has the profile to compete for a major role.
Jalen Hale, the former Alabama wideout, gives SMU another high-upside athlete who could thrive with a fresh start.
At tight end, Theo Melin Ohrstrom from Texas A&M and Randy Pittman Jr. from Florida State were brought in to help stabilize a position group that needed immediate answers.
The Mustangs also used the portal to reinforce the defensive front and secondary after losing major contributors.
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, a 305-pound transfer from Kansas State, gives SMU more size and strength inside. Jarvis Lee, who came over from USF, adds the kind of disruptive ability that can change games with tackles for loss and takeaways.
On3 placed SMU No. 24 nationally in its 2026 team transfer portal rankings and inside the top five of the ACC. 247Sports was a little lower at No. 36 nationally and seventh in the ACC, but still viewed the class as solid. ESPN’s early outlook also highlighted several of the same additions as key reasons SMU remains a team to watch.
Put it all together, and this feels like a smart portal haul. SMU didn’t chase headlines for the sake of it.
The Mustangs added fit, depth, and upside around their most important piece. That’s usually how good teams stay good.
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