SMU adds exciting linebacker Markel Dabney to a Top 25 recruiting class

Chester (Va.) Huguenot linebacker Markel Dabney announced his commitment to SMU on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Dabney chooses to play for head coach Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs over Michigan, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech.

Dabney took his official visit to SMU over the weekend.

“What made SMU home for me is the fit!” Dabney said. “The school fits me and what I’m trying to accomplish in the long run after football. They have a winning culture, everybody around the building wants to win and I love that! 

“This team will be competing for a National Championship in the next few years.”

Dabney becomes commit No. 11 for the Mustangs in the 2026 class. Prior to his pledge SMU sat at No. 21 in the On3 Industry Recruiting Rankings. Maurice Crum was his lead recruiter.

Dabney is an excellent two-way player on the prep level. As a safety/linebacker he racked up 74 tackles, four forced fumbles, four sacks and two interceptions that were also returned for touchdowns. On offense he caught 45 passes for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns.

On3 ranks Dabney as the No. 49 linebacker in the country.