SMU lands local three-star DB, former Arizona State commit

Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

SMU lands local three-star DB, former Arizona State commit Elijajuan Houston

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 14, 2026 6:43 PM ET

Elijajuan Houston did not wait long to make a decision after he decommitted from the Arizona State Sun Devils.

A three-star safety from Fort Worth, Texas, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back quickly turned his attention to staying home and playing college ball for Rhett Lashlee and the SMU Mustangs.

In fact, despite a spring commitment to Arizona State, SMU never let up on the recruiting trail with Houston.

He was a top target for the Mustangs, especially considering the fact that he plays his high school ball at North Crowley High School — which is practically down the street.

That attention paid off for SMU. On Wednesday, Houston made a commitment.

BREAKING: Class of 2027 Safety Elijajuan Houston has Committed to SMU, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’0 185 S decommitted from Arizona State on Monday

“All Glory to God, I’m home!”https://t.co/5lXUeZQnxY pic.twitter.com/Cn78s1l55b
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 14, 2026

SMU lands "hometown hero" Elijajuan Houston

“SMU has been with me since Day 1, letting me know constantly how important I am and how I can come make a difference,” Houston told Rivals of his decision to commit to the Mustangs. “The culture and environment there is special … There’s nothing wrong with being a hometown hero.”

Houston is an extremely talented athlete. Not only is he a star defender for his high school football team, but he's also a multi-sport athlete who runs track.

He's a ballhawk as a safety, but also brings versatility to the table.

"P4-caliber defensive back prospect who fits a safety label but could provide valuable role versatility in the secondary," writes 247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Houston is ranked as the No. 53 safety in the class. He'll go down as SMU's 10th 2027 commitment.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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