North Forney High School’s standout defensive back Ryan Gilbert announced his commitment to SMU, choosing the Mustangs over the Oklahoma Sooners. The decision, made public during North Forney’s Spring game, marks yet another recruiting victory for SMU over a traditional powerhouse.
While the transfer portal is full of shocks and surprises, Gilbert’s shift projects a changing dynamic in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) recruiting scene.
Ryan Gilbert’s Commitment: A Game-Changer for SMU
Ryan Gilbert, a highly touted cornerback from North Forney, Texas, is a prized recruit in the 2026 class. According to On3, he is ranked as the No. 53 overall cornerback and the No. 86 prospect in Texas.
Gilbert had offers from several top programs, including Auburn, TCU, Washington, Pitt, and even Texas A&M, where he once played. However, the battle between SMU and Oklahoma drew the most attention, with the Sooners widely seen as the favorites to land the talented defensive back.
The moment @RyanGilbertII1 announced his commitment to @SMUFB LIVE with us!@NFHS_FALCONS | @GPowersScout | @malloryhartley #PonyUpDallas #DCTF #TXHSFB #TexasFootball
Watch the full commitment again: https://t.co/REq5kY8ohj pic.twitter.com/q2dOBiCkbe
— Dave Campbell’s Texas Football — TexasFootball.com (@dctf) May 16, 2025
So, why would Gilbert pick SMU over a blue-blood program like Oklahoma? The Mustangs have been building a strong case under head coach Rhett Lashlee. Since Lashlee took over, SMU has transformed into a competitive program with a clear upward trajectory, both on the field and in recruiting.
Also, the DFW region is one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country, traditionally dominated by schools like Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU. However, SMU has been making a concerted effort to keep talent in the area, and it’s paying off.
As Grayson Singleton of Locked In Oklahoma recently noted, SMU’s ability to secure blue-chip prospects in DFW is becoming a real problem for traditional powers like Oklahoma, Texas, and others.
This commitment is the latest in a string of recruiting successes for the Mustangs, who have been on a tear lately, climbing into the top 25 recruiting classes nationally for the 2026 cycle.
A program that was once considered a second-tier option in the DFW area, SMU’s ability to pull a player of Gilbert’s caliber away from Oklahoma is a clear indication that things are turning around for the Hilltop.
SMU’s Rise and Oklahoma’s Struggles
For Oklahoma, losing out on Gilbert is another blow in a challenging recruiting stretch. The Sooners have long been dominant in the DFW area, routinely pulling top talent from Texas to Norman.
However, SMU’s recent success has forced Oklahoma to rethink its approach. The Mustangs aren’t just knocking on the door anymore; they’re kicking it down, as one Yahoo Sports report put it earlier this month.
KEEP READING: Experts Praise Oklahoma Sooners’ Transfer Portal Haul on Both Sides of the Ball
This isn’t to say Oklahoma is in crisis mode. No, the Sooners still have a strong 2026 class in the works and remain a powerhouse in college football.
Yet, the fact that SMU consistently beats them for in-state talent indicates changing times. Programs like Texas, LSU, and Arkansas are also feeling the heat as SMU continues to assert itself as a legitimate player in the recruiting game.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
