SMU Roster Breakdown For The 25-26 Season
By Sam Kayser
SMU men's basketball enters its second season in the ACC with a retooled roster and heightened aspirations. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Andy Enfield, who took the helm in 2024, the Mustangs have brought in some talented players, assembling a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, aiming to make a significant impact in the ACC next season. Here is what the Mustangs roster looks like for 25-26:
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Boopie Miller (SR)
SG: Jaron Pierre (SR)
SF: Corey Washington (SR)
PF: Sam Walters (JR)
C: Samet Yigitoglu (SO)
SMU's projected 2025–26 starting lineup features a dynamic blend of experience, size, and scoring versatility. Leading the backcourt is Kevin “Boopie” Miller, a seasoned point guard who transferred from Wake Forest last offseason. During the 2024-25 season, Miller averaged 13.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to orchestrate the offense and score from all levels. Joining him is Jaron Pierre Jr., a 6-foot-6 shooting guard and the 2025 Conference USA Player of the Year. Pierre brings athleticism and a major scoring prowess to the wing, as he averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for Jacksonville State this season.
In the frontcourt, Wichita State transfer Corey Washington adds versatility on both ends of the floor, while Sam Walters, a 6-foot-10 forward known for his shooting touch, stretches the floor and provides an additional scoring option. Anchoring the paint is 7-foot-2 rising sophomore center Samet Yigitoglu, whose imposing presence and rebounding ability are expected to be key assets for the Mustangs in 2025-26. Yigitoglu had a strong freshman year and could be the X-Factor for Andy Enfield and Co. next season.
Projected Bench:
Guards: BJ Edwards (SR), Niccolo Kaslischer-Stork (SO) and BJ Davis-Ray (FR)
Wings: Chance Puryear (SO) and Jermaine O’Neal Jr. (FR)
Forwards: Mitchell Holmes (SO), Nigel Walls (FR) and Jaden Toombs (FR)
SMU's bench for the 2025–26 season boasts a promising mix of young talent and versatile depth. Senior guard BJ Edwards, who started all 35 games this season, may get pushed to the first guard off the bench after the talent that’s been brought in this offseason. It’s possible SMU decides to start three guards (Edwards, Jaron Pierre Jr. and Boopie Miller), which would likely push Michigan transfer Sam Walters to a bench role, but having an experienced guard like Edwards coming in off the bench is never a bad thing.
Maybe the most intriguing part of SMU’s roster is the four incoming Top-100 freshmen who will arrive on campus this summer. Jaden Toombs, who was one of the best rebounding forwards in the country throughout the high school season, should see some quality minutes from the opening tip, while BJ Davis-Ray and Jermaine O’Neal Jr. will both certainly be in the mix for some off-the-bench minutes. Nigel Walls, a four-star forward from Texas, is another extra depth piece who had a fantastic high school career.
Overall, SMU's bench for the 2025–26 season gives the Mustangs the kind of depth that can make a real difference over the course of a long ACC schedule. With four high-upside freshmen and an experienced senior guard, this second unit brings energy, potential and production. If the bench continues to develop and buy into their roles, SMU could boast one of the more complete and balanced rosters in the entire conference.
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(Featured Image: SMU Athletics)