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Miami to SMU transfer pipeline has helped the Mustangs to a big season

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Oct 23, 2024 9:34 AM ET

SMU has done very well for itself in the transfer portal during the last two years. One reason for this success is due to the relationships that head coach Rhett Lashlee built during his time at Miami before taking the head job in Dallas. Now it has all come together as several of the ex-Canes have become vital pieces of SMU’s 6-1 start and #22 ranking.

Coming off an 11-3 finish in 2023, SMU positioned themselves nicely in preparation for their first ACC season. However, their first two FBS games raised a few doubts. The Mustangs needed a frantic comeback in the fourth quarter to pull out the 29-24 victory at Nevada, which was followed with an ugly offensive performance during an 18-15 home loss to BYU.

However, that ugly offensive performance now looks reasonable since the Cougars have continued to win and are 7-0 and ranked #11.

On top of that, SMU’s offense has been dynamic since their loss. Reeling off four straight ACC wins while averaging 45.5 points per game, the Mustangs are clicking. One big reason for everything clicking has been the play of running back Brashard Smith. Known as a wide receiver and kick returner with Miami, Smith was moved to running back and has thrived. As the team’s leading rusher, he has totaled 628 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

Sep 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) celebrates after he catches a pass against Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shyheim Brown (1) and defensive back Conrad Hussey (12) during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The passing game has also received a spark from Keyshawn Smith , who transferred from Miami after the 2022 season. Smith is coming off his best game of 2024 during the win at Stanford with four receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, several ex-Cane defensive linemen are making an impact. Leading the charge has been Elijah Roberts , who after totaling 21 tackles in three seasons in Coral Gables has flourished in Dallas. Immediately making an impact in 2023 with 37 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, he has continued his impressive play in 2024 with 21 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Jared Harrison-Hunte and Jahfari Harvey have also added quality depth to the line, with Harvey coming off his best game of the season at Stanford with three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Oct 5, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) looks to pass against Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Elijah Roberts (5) during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.© Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Another more unique non-transfer Miami connection that has proven invaluable to SMU has been tight end RJ Maryland. His father, Russell Maryland, enjoyed an All-American career with the Canes, while his son initially committed to Boston College before SMU and Coach Lashlee got involved late and reeled him in. With the Mustangs he has totaled 86 receptions for 1,173 yards and 17 touchdowns in his three seasons. Unfortunately for both sides, it was announced on Tuesday that Maryland will be missing the remainder of the season with a knee injury that he sustained on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see if this influx of Canes transfers continues their migration to SMU during the upcoming transfer portal window. Considering Coach Lashlee’s time in Coral Gables ended at the conclusion of the 2021 season, he may still have connections with current players. And for any Miami player looking for a change of scenery, seeing the ex-Canes excel with the Mustangs is a great selling point for Coach Lashlee and his staff.

It is also important to note that these transfers obviously haven’t hurt Miami, which is undefeated and thriving. Overall, this is a situation where the transfer portal works. These transfers needed a fresh start. SMU and Coach Lashlee were there to offer that to them and the players made the most of this opportunity.

Making the move from the G5 level to P4 isn’t easy, but SMU prepared for it and has proven to be ready. While the next two months are an unknown, it is known that with Coach Lashlee in charge, and with likely more Miami players making their way to Dallas during the off-season, the program is in very good hands.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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