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Explosive Edge Rusher Hudson Woods Commits to SMU Football
Explosive Edge Rusher Hudson Woods Commits to SMU Football originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Hilltop just got a lot louder.
When Smithson Valley edge rusher Hudson Woods announced his commitment to SMU, he didn't just add another name to the 2026 class, he lit a fire under a program already trending upward in the ACC. Woods, a disruptive force off the edge, tallied 13 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries in his junior high school season, and he's now poised to wreak havoc in red and blue.
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'I love everything,' Woods told On3 following his official visit. 'The culture, the environment, the opportunities. As soon as I stepped on campus for the first time, I knew that this place is my home.'
For Mustang fans, it's a commitment that signals more than just a win on the recruiting trail, it's a reflection of SMU's growing momentum under head coach Rhett Lashlee and defensive staff who are building a modern contender with a ferocious defensive identity.
SMU Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Woods, a three-star recruit ranked No. 72 at his position nationally, drew offers and took official visits to Oklahoma State, Northwestern, and Wisconsin, but it was the culture in Dallas, and the connection with edge rushers coach Sam Dunnam that sealed it.
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'Coach Dunnam is an amazing coach. Someone I could definitely see coaching me,' Woods said. 'Practice was super entertaining. Looks like a lot of fun, and I had a bunch of great talks with all the coaches.'
That connection isn't just talk, it's rooted in a coaching staff that emphasizes speed, aggression, and leadership on the defensive line. SMU's defense has been steadily climbing in performance and recruiting rankings, and Woods represents the next gear.
SMU fans saw flashes of dominance from the defensive front last season. With Woods in the fold, there's now a clear blueprint for building a ACC-caliber pass rush. His commitment reinforces the idea that top Texas talent no longer sees SMU as a fallback, it's a destination.
The Mustangs' push toward a national stage has become more believable with each high-profile pledge, and Woods' commitment gives fans one more reason to believe: this team isn't just recruiting well, they're recruiting the right kind of player.
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With relentless pursuit, explosive first-step quickness, and Texas-sized ambition, Hudson Woods is the kind of edge rusher you build a defense around. And now, he's a Mustang.
Related: ESPN analyst has words for SMU Football's playoff credibility
Related: SEC Blue Blood Accused of Tampering With SMU QB Kevin Jennings
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
