SMU Mustangs trending for Top-100 RB Michael Turner

SMU recruiting has drawn eyeballs during the 2025 cycle thanks to the status of Duncanville (Texas) four-star quarterback commit Keelon Russell.

The Mustangs are trying to fend off multiple SEC programs for the top-100 signal-caller — who is taking multiple official visits during the spring and summer. That’s not stopping Rhett Lashlee and his staff from pushing for a top-25 recruiting class this cycle, however.

With eight commits in the fold as of May 11, SMU is eyeing another top in-state target. North Richland Hills (Texas) four-star running back Michael Turner has made multiple visits to campus this spring, and the Mustangs are now trending for his pledge in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons and SMU recruiting insider Billy Embody have each logged picks in favor of the local program landing the 5-foot-11.5, 190-pounder this month. Turner also told Simmons earlier this month that the Mustangs are currently ahead in his recruitment.

“I have been to SMU a lot, I was last there for a spring practice and I like them a lot,” Turner told On3. “I like the class they are bringing in, how good they are up front, how they are going to the ACC and the coaches. SMU is on top for me.”

Connections with Lashlee, running backs coach Kyle Cooper and the SMU staff have made an impact on Turner. Being right down the road, the four-star has been able to take a bevy of visits and has felt like a priority to the new ACC school.

“I love Coach Rhett Lashlee. He and Coach Kyle Cooper are cool guys that I know well,” Turner said. “Coach Lashlee is doing a great job with the team and me and Coach Cooper have a really good relationship. We talk every week, we can talk about life and they are showing me a lot of love.”

Turner also told On3 that he was still unsure of a potential commitment date, but it has crossed his mind. He is the No. 97 overall prospect and No. 6 RB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3 ranks Turner higher than other recruiting services. He checks in at No. 51 overall, No. 3 at his position and No. 13 in the Lone Star State in the updated 2025 On300.

Mustangs have top-five class in the ACC

Adding Turner to the fold would help cement SMU’s class as legitimate this cycle. Currently No. 24 in the nation, the Mustangs’ class also ranks No. 5 in the ACC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Russell remains the headliner, now checking in at No. 78 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking. He’s the No. 8 QB in the cycle and one of six in-state commits in SMU’s class.

DeSoto (Texas) four-star wide receiver Daylon Singleton is the only other top-300 commit in the class alongside Russell following multiple decommitments earlier this year. The other six pledges are all on the defensive side of the ball, four of whom are defensive backs.

Duncanville three-star cornerback Javion Holiday leads the way and is flanked by a trio of safeties: Duncanville three-star Tyren Polley, Arlington (Texas) IMG Academy three-star Elijah Pratt and Arlington Mansfield Timberview three-star three-star Nathan Tilmon.