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SMU beats out Oklahoma for North Forney DB Deuce Gilbert

On3 imageby:Billy Embody•05/15/25•

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Deuce Gilbert. (Billy Embody / On3)

SMU won another recruiting battle over Oklahoma on Thursday as North Forney (Tex.) defensive back Ryan “Deuce” Gilbert committed to the Mustangs. Gilbert announced the news at his spring game, giving cornerbacks coach Rickey Hunley one of his longtime targets in his 2026 class.

Gilbert said he’s excited to join a program with so much momentum. The Mustangs have been rolling on the field and in recruiting and Gilbert’s ready to be a part of that.

“With them being an uprising program and just getting the past players they’ve been getting through the recruitment this past couple of weeks, it just been like a great environment you want to be in,” Gilbert told On3 on Thursday. “It’s just been like great players around Dallas and even Louisiana, players like them, just being able to go to that system and just being ready to work and being able to compete.”

Want the latest on who is next for SMU? Check out our 2026 SMU class predictions!

Gilbert is the No. 581 overall prospect in the country, No. 53 overall cornerback and No. 86 prospect in Texas, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In addition to SMU and Oklahoma, the one-time Texas A&M commitment had offers from Washington, Auburn, TCU, Pitt and others.

SMU has long recruited Gilbert and hosted him numerous times over the past two years. This fall, he visited for multiple games, including SMU’s dominant win over Pitt.

“I’m glad to see SMU dominating the ACC,” Gilbert told On3 this fall. “What excites me about SMU is that it’s right down the street and Coach Hunley is a great coach. I’m looking forward to seeing them finish up with a winning season!”

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Hunley offered Gilbert well over a year ago, coming off his sophomore season tape. Gilbert likely lands at the nickel position.

“What stood out is coach Hunley. Very hospitable and friendly,” Gilbert told On3 after his offer. “Really calm. He felt like family. He was saying all his players, they come there and he wants them to feel like family every single time. He’s trying to build it up.”

SMU’s been on a recruiting heater, climbing up into the Top 20 recruiting classes in the country. Lately, the Mustangs have beat out the Sooners for targets like big interior offensive lineman Pupungatoa Katoa and four-star wide receiver Aljour Miles. Gilbert is just the latest head-to-head battle SMU’s won over the Sooners.

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