Despite a challenging College Football Playoff defeat to Penn State, the SMU Mustangs have much to celebrate after a remarkable season. Coming within a last-second miracle of clinching the ACC title, they secured an at-large bid for the inaugural 12-team CFP. Now, as they look to build on this success, the Mustangs are strategically enhancing their roster through the transfer portal for the 2025 season.
SMU’s transfer portal strategy for 2025
The transfer portal has become a critical tool for college football programs, and SMU is no exception. With the excitement of a promising season still fresh, the Mustangs are eyeing key players to fill gaps and strengthen their lineup. As they prepare for the upcoming season, here are some notable additions to the roster.
Addison Nichols, OL
One of the standout additions is Addison Nichols, an offensive lineman who has experience at two SEC schools. Originally a four-star recruit from Georgia, Nichols began his collegiate career at Tennessee before transferring to Arkansas, where he started in 2024. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he is expected to make a significant impact on SMU’s offensive line.
Nichols’ journey through the SEC has equipped him with valuable experience, and his ability to secure a starting position at Arkansas speaks volumes about his talent. With SMU’s offensive line looking to improve, his presence will be crucial.
Joshua Bates, OL
Another promising addition is Joshua Bates, who also brings valuable experience from Oklahoma. After a redshirt year in 2023, Bates started two games at center in 2024, showcasing his potential on a struggling offensive line. As a four-star recruit from Colorado, he chose Oklahoma over several other programs, including Miami and Michigan State.
Bates has three seasons of eligibility left, and his versatility may allow SMU to experiment with different positions on the offensive line. With both Nichols and Bates joining the roster, the Mustangs are poised to bolster their front line significantly.
Zakye Barker, LB
Defensively, SMU welcomes Zakye Barker, a linebacker from East Carolina who had an explosive sophomore season in 2024. After a quiet freshman year, Barker emerged as a force on the field, recording 86 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Despite being a two-star recruit out of Georgia, his performance at East Carolina demonstrates his potential to thrive at a higher level.
Barker has two seasons of eligibility remaining, and his ability to read plays and tackle effectively will be invaluable to SMU’s defense. His addition could be a game-changer as the Mustangs aim to improve their defensive statistics.
Chasen Johnson, CB
The Mustangs also secured Chasen Johnson, a cornerback who had an interesting journey through the transfer portal. After initially committing to USC, Johnson ultimately chose to join SMU. A former three-star recruit from Florida, he played his freshman season at UCF, where he made 18 tackles and broke up two passes.
With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Johnson’s experience will enhance SMU’s secondary. His ability to adapt quickly and make plays will be crucial as the Mustangs look to strengthen their defense against formidable opponents.
Looking ahead: What do these additions mean for SMU?
The Mustangs’ strategic moves in the transfer portal signal their commitment to building a competitive team. With key players like Nichols, Bates, Barker, and Johnson joining the roster, SMU is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. These additions not only address immediate needs but also provide depth and versatility, essential for navigating the rigors of college football.
As fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, the excitement is palpable. Will these new recruits help propel SMU to new heights? The potential is certainly there, and with the right coaching and development, they could become integral parts of a championship-caliber team.
What do you think of SMU’s new additions? Are you excited to see how these players will fit into the Mustangs’ system? Share your thoughts below in our comments section! The road ahead is filled with promise, and the college football landscape is about to get even more thrilling.
