2026 DL Yahya Gaad commits to SMU Mustangs
Medina (Tenn.) South Gibson three-star defensive lineman Yahya Gaad has committed to SMU, he told On3 on Wednesday.
“The coaching staff is amazing and I believe they have a great place for me in the program,” Gaad told On3’s Chad Simmons about SMU.
He added: “Meeting all the coaches, seeing what they have in store for me and the future to come for the program.”
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Gaad also noted the quality of SMU’s business school.
He is the third prospect to join Southern Methodist’s 2026 recruiting class, along with Yoakum (Texas) four-star wide receiver Xzavier Barnett and Los Angeles (Calif.) Redondo Union three-star QB Cole Leinart. Leinart is the son of former USC Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart.
For more on SMU recruiting, check out On the Pony Express.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Gaad is the nation’s No. 675 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 59 DL in the class and the No. 21 recruit from the state of Tennessee.