SMU linebacker enters college football transfer portal

When Zach Smith committed to SMU, he was viewed as one of the top local building blocks for the Mustangs’ defense. Now, less than a year into his college career, the Red Oak product is headed elsewhere.

Smith has entered the NCAA transfer portal, sources confirmed Tuesday, giving up his spot on the Hilltop with four full years of eligibility remaining. The timing aligns with the spring transfer window, which opened April 16 and runs through April 25—offering players a last opportunity to switch schools ahead of the 2025 season.

Smith wasn’t just another name on the depth chart. He was a top-50 recruit in the Dallas area and rated the No. 5 linebacker in his class by The Dallas Morning News. Coming out of Red Oak High School, he drew praise for his quick reads, lateral speed, and ability to shed blocks—traits that had SMU’s staff excited about his future in the ACC.

Although Smith only appeared in one game during the 2024 season, his absence from the field wasn’t due to lack of talent. The Mustangs had a veteran-heavy linebacker room, making it difficult for underclassmen to break through. Still, insiders close to the program had pegged Smith as a potential breakout candidate this fall—had he stayed.

Smith’s departure creates an unexpected gap in SMU’s linebacker pipeline. With the team needing depth on defense, losing a young, moldable player like Smith could sting down the line. The coaching staff now has less than 10 days to explore portal options—or double down on development from within.

Zach Smith’s next move remains to be seen, but his exit is a reminder of how quickly college football rosters can shift in the transfer portal era. For Mustangs fans, it’s another name to watch—just not in red and blue.

Stay tuned to Mustang Nation for more updates as the portal window heats up.