#64
Joshua Bates
Returning to SMU for 2026
Joshua Bates
He got to SMU by way of Oklahoma.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- portal record
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★★
CFB
College
—
NFL
NFL Draft
—
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Rhett Lashlee
How he plays
2026 Outlook
SMU
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · SMU
Returning around him
- 50% of 2024 offensive production back (Solid continuity)
- 1 SMU player drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -10 net (15 in / 25 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
SMU · Last season: 9-4 (AP #25) · Talent rank #25 · 2026 recruiting class #32
Stats from CFBD · ESPN · fan discourse. Every figure computed from source tables — not invented. Methodology