Drew Evers Shocks College Football with SMU Commitment
A Hometown Hero Chooses SMU
In a move that left jaws on the floor, four-star offensive lineman Drew Evers, one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, announced he’s committing to SMU, turning down heavyweights like Ohio State and Texas A&M. The Flower Mound, Texas, native broke the news on June 26, 2025, via a post on X by recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett, summing up his decision with a simple but bold statement: “214…I’m staying home. Let’s work #PonyUp.” For SMU fans, it’s a massive win, and for Evers, it’s a chance to shine close to home.
The Recruiting Rollercoaster
Evers entered into one wild recruitment, with Ohio State and Texas A&M having led most of the process. During Evers' official visit on June 6, 2025, the Buckeyes really rolled out the carpet for him, a gesture he could not stop raving about. "The whole encounter was surreal," he said, complimenting day top facilities and the personal touch from head coach Ryan Day and newly hired offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. Ohio State felt like they had him in the bag, especially after he named them in his top six schools alongside SMU, Texas A&M, Penn State, LSU, and Oklahoma.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, had a special pull—both of Evers’ parents are Aggie alumni. The program, led by head coach Mike Elko, pitched him as the missing piece to their already stacked 2026 offensive line class, which includes four-star prospects Samuel Roseborough and Zaden Krempin. Evers’ visit to College Station on June 20, 2025, left him buzzing about the electric atmosphere at Kyle Field. “It’s unreal there,” he told recruiters. But in the end, SMU’s hometown advantage and relentless effort won out.
Why SMU Stole the Show
SMU didn’t just luck into this commitment. The Mustangs, coming off a 2024 College Football Playoff appearance, sold Evers on their big dreams and bright future. He visited SMU on May 2, 2025, and felt right at home. “It was like catching up with old friends,” Evers told On3’s Billy Embody, praising his tight bond with coaches Rhett Lashlee and Garin Justice. At 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, Evers is a versatile beast who can play tackle or guard, and his jaw-dropping 20.3 mph top speed at an Oklahoma camp shows he’s got the athleticism to match his size. For SMU, he’s the kind of player who can anchor their line for years.
The fact that SMU is just a short drive from Flower Mound didn’t hurt either. Staying in the Dallas-Fort Worth area means Evers gets to play in front of family and friends, building a legacy in his own backyard. That hometown connection, paired with SMU’s rising star power, was enough to sway him from programs like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, all of which threw their hats in the ring with over 40 offers.
Ohio State and Texas A&M Left Stunned
For Ohio State, missing out on Evers is a tough pill to swallow. The Buckeyes had high hopes after his glowing comments about his Columbus visit, and they’ve already got four offensive line commits for 2026, including four-star tackle Aaron Thomas. Still, losing a talent like Evers, ranked No. 208 overall and No. 14 among interior offensive linemen by 247Sports, stings for their interior line depth. Fans on X, including posts from Eleven Warriors, didn’t hide their disappointment, with some calling it a “gut punch” for the program.
Texas A&M, though, is still sitting pretty with their No. 2-ranked 2026 class. Even without Evers, their offensive line haul is impressive, and Elko’s vision for the program keeps them in the hunt for other top recruits. Oklahoma and Penn State, which hosted Evers on June 13, 2025, also came up short. The Sooners, where Evers’ brother Nick (a former four-star quarterback) started his college career, were even pegged as slight favorites by On3’s prediction model at one point. But SMU’s pull was just too strong.
SMU’s Big Win and What’s Next
Evers’ commitment is a game-changer for SMU. Landing a blue-chip prospect with offers from every major program in the country shows the Mustangs are ready to play with the big dogs. It’s not just about one player—it’s a signal that SMU is building something special. For Evers, it’s a chance to be a hometown hero, suiting up for a program that’s got the whole Dallas-Fort Worth area buzzing.
As Evers gears up for his senior season at Flower Mound High School, his decision is already sending shockwaves through college football. SMU fans are over the moon, while Ohio State and Texas A&M are left to regroup and chase other targets in the 2026 class. One thing’s for sure: Drew Evers is ready to make his mark, and he’s doing it on his own terms, right at home.
Sources: Eleven Warriors, On3, X posts by @Hayesfawcett3, @BillyEmbody, and @On3Recruits