SMU football made national headlines on Tuesday, July 2, by landing a commitment from one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class.
Four-star prospect Kenneth Goodwin III, who starred at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California, chose the Mustangs over powerhouse programs Michigan and Georgia. The decision gives HC Rhett Lashlee a major recruiting win as SMU continues to build momentum after last season’s move to the ACC and College Football Playoff run.
2026 LB Kenneth Goodwin III Picks SMU Over Bluebloods Michigan and Georgia
Kenneth Goodwin III, listed at 6’2”, 205 pounds, announced his commitment to SMU, surprising many in the college football world.
The linebacker is ranked No. 248 overall and No. 16 among linebackers in the 2026 class by 247Sports, while the On3 Industry Ranking places him at No. 358 nationally and No. 28 at his position. He is also ranked as the No. 32 player in California, making him one of the top defensive prospects on the West Coast.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Kenneth Goodwin III has Committed to SMU, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’2 212 LB from Las Vegas, NV chose the Mustangs over Michigan & Georgia
“Pony Up”https://t.co/cU1xdawaGD pic.twitter.com/Fw1n0H4umK
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 2, 2025
Known for his speed and versatility, Goodwin posted a 4.68-second 40-yard dash and has a 75-inch wingspan, measurements recorded at the National Preps Camp in 2023, where he earned Linebacker MVP honors. His hybrid skill set allows him to play both safety and linebacker, a valuable asset in today’s defensive schemes.
During his sophomore year at Bishop Montgomery, Goodwin III played in eight games, tallying 40 tackles and six sacks. He missed his junior season due to injury, which introduced some uncertainty into his recruitment. However, SMU made him a priority, while other programs asked him to wait until the fall.
“What really stood out about SMU was the people and how they treated me,” Goodwin said. “They treated me like a real priority, the No. 1 option. I really appreciate them for allowing me to commit when a lot of teams were backing out, saying to wait until the season.”
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Before choosing SMU, Goodwin took an official visit to Michigan on June 13 and visited SMU on May 2. He also made unofficial visits to Oregon and USC. Earlier in his recruitment, he called Michigan part of his “Top 3” and once labeled Georgia as his “No. 1 school.”
Goodwin III’s commitment highlights SMU’s growing ability to compete for top talent with college football’s elite.
The Mustangs have made waves since their move to the ACC and College Football Playoff appearance after the 2024 season. Their 2025 recruiting class is the highest ranked in program history and features their first five-star signee, offensive tackle Dramodd Odoms.
With Goodwin III joining the linebacker group, SMU continues to address key needs on defense. The Mustangs have also targeted linebacker Izayah Young from San Marcos, Texas, as they look to replace contributors Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker.
