SMU lands massive recruiting win in 2026 DL Yahya Gaad
Medina (Tenn.) South Gibson three-star defensive lineman Yahya Gaad has committed to SMU, he told On3 on Wednesday. He’s the third commitment for the Mustangs in the 2026 class.
“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. “Meeting all the coaches, seeing what they have in store for me and the future to come for the program.”
SMU teed up the commitment with a key visit last weekend, hosting him for Junior Day. The Mustangs beat out Florida, Florida State, Texas, USC and others for his commitment.
“The visit was great overall,” Gaad said. “Loved to see what the coaches had to say about the program and the direction it is taking. I definitely can see myself playing there and getting a great education as well.”
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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.
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.
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