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SMU to wear custom helmets during final spring practice honoring local hospital

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•04/22/25•

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SMU HC Rhett Lashlee. (Matt Visinsky / On3)

Getting involved with the local community is important for the SMU Mustangs. Branding themselves as Dallas’ team, SMU does plenty around the area to support when possible. Friday will be just the latest example as they work with Children’s Health hospital.

Trevor, an 11-year-old patient, designed a custom helmet for the team to wear. So to end spring practice, every single SMU player will have Trevor’s helmet on their head. A great move from the Mustangs, with the whole initiative explained below.

“For the kids. For our Dallas community,” SMU Football said via X. “This spring, we will once again wear a custom helmet designed by a @childrens patient, in honor of their courage, dedication, and strength. On Friday, for our final spring practice, the team will proudly wear artwork illustrated by 11-year-old patient, Trevor.”

In a statement released by SMU, it was revealed that Trevor recently ran the bell to signal the end of his chemotherapy treatment. The goal for him is to one day be an astronaut, helicopter pilot, or scientist. He is not too bad at designing helmets either.

An important season is ahead of head coach Rhett Lashlee. Fresh off making the ACC Championship and College Football Playoff, the goal is to once again get there. SMU has brought in plenty of talent this offseason via high school recruiting and the NCAA transfer portal.

Trevor will certainly be on their mind throughout the journey. And Friday will be a special day for him, getting to see the Mustangs wear the helmet he designed.

SMU signs running back out of the NCAA transfer portal

UCLA transfer running back TJ Harden has signed with SMU, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. He led the Bruins in rushing this past season.

Harden spent three years in Westwood, putting up his best numbers in 2023. He totaled 827 yards and eight touchdowns that year while splitting time in the backfield with Carson Steele. After taking over as lead running back in 2024, Harden led UCLA with 506 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Harden, a Los Angeles native, played high school football at Inglewood (Calif.) Inglewood, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,288 overall player from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report