4-star LB Kenneth Goodwin III commits to SMU

2026 Torrance (Calif.) Bishop Montgomery four-star linebacker Kenneth Goodwin III has committed to SMU, he announced on Tuesday. The 6-2, 205-pounder also held offers from the likes of Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M and others.
“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 and I really applaud them for that because I just got injured and I missed out on the season and a lot of teams were backing out saying to wait until the season to commit. I really appreciate them for allowing me to commit.”
Goodwin III is the No. 367 overall prospect and No. 28 LB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 32 player in California.
Goodwin III took an official visit to Michigan earlier this month and took his SMU visit all the way back on May 2. The Mustangs hung around in this recruitment as the California prospect took his time with the process.
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Joining Goodwin in the linebacker class for SMU includes San Marcos (Tex.) linebacker Izayah Young, who committed in June after the Pony Express recruiting weekend.
With Goodwin on board, SMU’s linebacker class appears to be complete for linebackers coach Maurice Crum, Jr., who pulled a top talent out of California.
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