SMU Football continues to make waves as they land dynamic 3-star athlete

SMU football’s 2026 recruiting class just got stronger—and faster.

Markel Dabney, a three-star athlete out of Huguenot High School in Richmond, Virginia, has committed to the Mustangs, giving head coach Rhett Lashlee another versatile weapon on defense. Dabney, ranked No. 18 in the state of Virginia, announced his commitment Tuesday following his official visit to Dallas earlier this month.

“I feel like it’s the best fit for me as of right now,” Dabney told Rivals. “The culture in the facility stands out. Everybody in that building loves being around each other, and that’s something almost everybody wants to be a part of!”

At 6-foot-1 and 213 pounds, Dabney is a hybrid linebacker/nickel back with high-end athleticism and a knack for making plays on both sides of the ball. As a junior, he recorded 74 tackles, four sacks, four forced fumbles, two interceptions returned for touchdowns, and added 1,000 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on offense. But he’ll suit up on defense once he arrives on the Hilltop.

“SMU is recruiting me to play hybrid linebacker and nickel back,” Dabney said. “I would describe my game as a pure playmaker with tons of athleticism.”

Dabney built a strong connection with SMU’s coaching staff, especially co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Maurice Crum Jr. “Me and Coach Crum’s relationship is very tight,” he said. “He’s the one I would say I’m closest with!”