2025 EDGE Chinedu Onyeagoro commits to SMU: ‘I think coach Lashlee can have us competing for a national championship’

Los Angeles (Calif.) King Drew Medical Magnet three-star EDGE Chinedu Onyeagoro received offers from nearly 30 schools. One of those programs, SMU, hosted him on an official visit from June 7-9. 

Onyeagoro “felt like home” on that trip and was intrigued by how the Mustangs would help him grow on and off the field. Less than a month after his official, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass rusher committed to SMU over Florida, Georgia, UCLA and Washington on Monday. 

“One of the main reasons why I picked SMU is because of the development,” Onyeagoro told On3. “The coaches do a good job of that. They helped SMU go from ranked at the bottom in sacks per game to No. 2 in sacks per game in the country the next year. I think if you want to get developed as a defensive player, SMU is the place. 

“Another reason why I chose SMU is that the coaches really went into detail on their plan for me and how I would be playing all over the field. I really feel like it’s best to get the best film I can so I can make it to the NFL. The lifelong connections I can make there while being surrounded by high-value people and Dallas being a big market for businesses and opportunities also factored into my decision.” 

SMU’s coaches played a huge role in Onyeagoro choosing the Mustangs

Onyeagoro has only been to the Mustangs’ campus once. Yet that visit made a massive impression on him, as he felt an “amazing” vibe at SMU and enjoyed being around the players, as well as the weather. 

The No. 33 player in California built a strong connection with EDGEs coach Sam Dunnam, who he called one of his favorite coaches that he spoke with in his recruitment. Onyeagoro also bonded with head coach Rhett Lashlee. 

“Coach Lashlee is amazing,” said Onyeagoro, the No. 402 overall prospect and No. 37 EDGE in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “I love how fired up he is about the program and how he wants to put all the players in the best position for them to succeed on and off the field. 

“He definitely was a big reason why I fell in love with the school and decided I didn’t need to take any more visits after visiting SMU. I think coach Lashlee can have us competing for a national championship if we continue to bring in the right kind of guys and keep this momentum in the program going.”