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SMU beats out Baylor for in-state LB Izayah Young

On3 imageby: Billy Embody06/09/25BillyEmbody
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Izayah Young. (Billy Embody / On3)

2026 San Marcos (Tex.) linebacker Izayah Young committed to SMU after his official visit wrapped up on Sunday, he announced Monday. The 6-0, 190-pounder was on campus for the school’s Pony Express recruiting weekend.

“I choose SMU because it’s a place full of opportunities and life beyond football,” Young told On3. “The moment I put the uniform on that’s when I knew this is home.”

During SMU spring practice, he came away impressed with the Mustangs in action on a visit. It included some 1-on-1 time with head coach Rhett Lashlee during practice.

“I had a great time there,” Young previously told On3. “That’s a team that I definitely want to play for. Surround myself with great coaches and great players. I like the atmosphere, they got a great facilities. I love the stadium, especially outside of campus they got a lot of things to do.”

Linebackers coach Maurice Crum him a top priority for SMU. Young also held offers from the likes of Baylor, Pitt, Tennessee and others..

“In general, Coach Mo told me I’m a guy that he wants on his team,” he said, “and he wants to develop me into a monster.”

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Young ranks as the No. 672 overall prospect in the country, 53rd-ranked linebacker in the nation and No. 99 prospect in Texas.

Young joins Chester (Va.) Huguenot linebacker Markel Dabney as SMU linebacker commits in the 2026 class. The 2026 recruiting class for the Mustangs ranked in the Top 25 before Young’s commitment.

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