The Reclamation Initiative | The Coaching Career of Nico Augustine

[Captain Canada]

2027 Season Preview - SMU Football

Head coach: Nico Augustine (1st year)
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Sanchez (1st year)
Defensive Coordinator: Kerry Abraham (1st year)
2026 record: 11-3, 6-2 (4th in ACC)
Preseason Ranking: #13
Preseason All-Americans: None
Preseason All-ACC: None

Weapons galore, but who will be steering the ship?
When your three best players on paper are all offensive skill position players, you’re probably in good shape. The team is returning top wide receiver Jalen Cooper, who was the main beneficiary of Kevin Jennings’ dominant season to the tune of 91 catches for 1,344 yards and 14 touchdowns. Enter in the smooth route running of Yamir Knight and the top end speed of Daylon Singleton and that’s a solid top three.

And then you add the transfers of Jeremiah McClellan and J.J. Harrell out of Missouri and Arkansas State and you’ve got a problem. A good problem for offensive coordinator Tony Sanchez and a horrific problem for opposing defenses. So far through camp, the team has been rotating two deep between Knight, Cooper, Singleton, McClellan, Harrell, and redshirt sophomore Carterrious Brown while Jaxson Lavender seems relegated to return duties as the fastest of the bunch.

The running back room has put an emphasis on speed as well, with former TCU running back and his 725 rushing yards coming over as the apparent bell cow to take over from the departed Kyson Brown and Minnesota Vikings running back T.J. Harden. Wide receiver turned half back Kyan Berry-Johnson has assimilated well in his position change and seems primed to utilize his touches well.

While there is uncertainty at quarterback following backup quarterback Josh Ghee's departure to Michigan, we do know that Stanford is loaded at running back with Trent Parrish, who rushed for 1,079 yards last year for Stanford, and then in the portal, they added Iowa State's Trumaine Lasike and then got a late addition in Jamarice Wilder following his exit from Florida.

Adam Moore seems to be the next tight end up after Luke Hasz became a first round draft pick this past summer with his exceptional route-running and ability to create space. Coach Sanchez goes into twin tight end sets often, so the team will be sending out Moore and the faster Tripp Riordan often.

The offensive line was rebuilt as potently as possible after losing four contributing members (tackles P.J. Williams, Andrew Chamblee and Jack Laphen as well as guard Carter Sweazie). Dramodd Odoms looks to be an absolute stalwart at left tackle while King Large and Trevor Goosby have been swapping in and out at right tackle. True freshman Austin Jasmine has the left guard spot sewn down while Joshua Bates holds onto his position at center, beating out Lea’ti Higgins, a promising redshirt freshman who will no doubt get looks throughout the season. Alex Woods returns to his spot at right guard for his final season.

The interesting battle at camp has been the quarterback position that has not shown a clear starter yet. Ryder Burton, the backup last year, has gotten the most looks with the “first-team” but offensive coordinator Sanchez says that it's a mere formality based on seniority. Incoming freshman Alonzo Cheeseman has put the most touch on his passes thus far and has shown some athleticism that was unforeseen. Incoming transfer Skyler Williams has also made some impressive plays thus far, thrusting himself in contention for the starting job right away as well.

Defense primed to challenge ACC heavyweights at the top
Since getting on campus, defensive coordinator Kerry Abraham has heralded his front seven as “a squad full of heat-seeking missiles”. He’s lamented time and time again that he wants a defense that can move side-to-side with speed and arrive at hits with “intent to cause bodily harm”.

The team intends for their pass rush to make the quarterback’s night extra long and that begins with edge rusher D.J. Warner. He says he’s done nothing all summer but work on his speed and first step, wanting to arrive at the quarterback’s door step “every other snap”. The depth is impressive on the defensive line, with Jahkai Lang and Ramon Arrollo getting plenty of snaps behind Warner and fellow starter and redshirt senior Trey Wilson.

The run stuffers up the middle starts with Vincent Carroll-Jackson and his impressive reach at 6-foot-5. Coach Augustine spoke on how much he loved the productivity Arkansas State head coach Griffin McCarley got from his interior defensive line to pressure the pass and how he would like to replicate it here in Dallas.

In the linebacker room, freshman Ben Stutz has made his mark and quickly snapped up a position in the starting lineup. “His ranginess, his speed and nose for the football is so impressive.” commented Abraham on the decision to give so much trust into a freshman. “It was never promised, he took that spot from guys and he’s going to be a focal point on this defense.” Kevin Lockridge has been linked to the MIKE spot over Cam Davidson so far but the team seems willing to go with either while Zakye Barker and his superb tackling ability returns for one last run.

In the secondary, it begins and ends with junior Marcellus Barnes Jr. and his superb ability to play man coverage. He’s quick as a whip and will have the challenge to blanket top ACC receivers all season long. Across from him will be William Nettles, who is the fastest player on the team bar none. Isaac Paul and true freshman Jamerson Pratt will be at the safety positions, daring teams to throw it deep. Expect a ton of man coverage from the Mustangs this season as they throw different blitz packages at opposing teams.


2027 TEAM SCHEDULE

Week	Opponent	Result	Record
0	OFF	--	--
1	at Memphis	--	5-7 (3-5)
2	vs #15 Oklahoma	--	8-5 (4-4)
3	vs Georgia Tech	--	8-5 (4-4)
4	vs Arkansas	--	3-9 (2-6)
5	at #19 Tulane	--	11-3 (8-0)
6	vs Virginia	--	3-9 (1-7)
7	OFF	--	--
8	at NC State	--	6-7 (3-5)
9	vs North Carolina	--	9-4 (5-3)
10	at Stanford	--	3-9 (2-6)
11	vs #18 LSU	--	8-5 (5-3)
12	at Utah	--	10-3 (6-3)
13	vs Duke	--	8-5 (5-3)
14	OFF	--	--

[redsox907]

SKYLAR

McClellan is a dog in the slot too. He didn't have the biggest numbers for me at Coastal, but dude can ball.

Oklahoma week 2 is tough, but outside that and LSU the schedule is certainly winnable if you get some solid QB play.

See you got hit with the bug where a player ends up on your team despite losing the recruiting battle too lol

[Captain Canada]

SKYLAR

McClellan is a dog in the slot too. He didn't have the biggest numbers for me at Coastal, but dude can ball.

Oklahoma week 2 is tough, but outside that and LSU the schedule is certainly winnable if you get some solid QB play.

See you got hit with the bug where a player ends up on your team despite losing the recruiting battle too lol

Guy can absolutely fly. Between him, J.J. Harrell, and some of the other guys already on the roster

Yeah, the bug got me. But, I won't say no to a freshman QB in waiting

[The JZA]

Got Arkansas on the sched, BTA is guaranteed

[Captain Canada]

Interview with Head Coach Nico Augustine
Written by Veronica Downs | SMU Daily

Veronica Downs: First and foremost Coach, I just want to again congratulate you on taking over the reigns here at SMU. How has it been adjusting to life in Dallas?

Coach Nico Augustine: Thank you very much, it's appreciated. Adjusting to life in Dallas has been just that - an adjustment. The pace of life here compared to Jonesboro or even back home in London, Ontario is much quicker. Being a part of a metropolitan city has been rewarding though. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's truly never a dull moment. It feels more and more like home everyday.

VD: One of the pressing questions from Mustang faithful is what made you decide to come to SMU and what was that process truly like?

CA: It was a lot faster than I thought it would be. Once I made myself available to look at my options after my final season as offensive coordinator down at Arkansas State, there were a few schools my family and I were considering. SMU was certainly at the forefront. They were coming off an extremely successful season and the brass here made it clear they didn't want a drop-off. They wanted to keep competing while I molded the team in what I thought would achieve long-term success.

It was a Zoom meeting at first, and then they flew me down to Dallas for a more formal interview to discuss in length what I thought I needed to transform this program into something more sustainable. By the time we were breaking apart, it was just a matter of getting the contracts drawn up. I never really considered anywhere else?

VD: What drew you to SMU specifically though?

CA: The city. The fans. The fact that they have as equal of a rich history as well as so much potential for a rich future. Getting to be a part of that, and take over a program at such a pivotal juncture? It was too good to pass up.

VD: How much truth was there to reports that Ohio State was sniffing around interested in you replacing Ryan Day at their head coach?

CA: Not much to tell the truth. There was a conversation. I think that was blown way out of proportion though. It was more of a non-starter from the get-go. I think they were gauging what that would have to look like and I kind of knew that wasn't a project I was looking to undertake.

VD: Let's pivot to recruiting. Most recently, we've seen true freshman and former TCU commit, quarterback Alonzo Cheeseman coming onto campus and instead joining the Mustangs. Can you go in on that situation?

CA: He got to TCU and I guess he didn't like what he was signing up for. He was one of the first kids I called when I signed on, trying to salvage Rhett [Lashlee]'s recruiting board so we can build towards the future. We had good rapport and he made a decision that he thought was best for him. I appreciated him reaching out after going through the proper channels to make everything okay.

He said he wanted to come out and join the team after all and that's that.

VD: What about rumors that it was an 11th hour Hail Mary that landed [Alonzo Cheeseman] on campus?

CA: Simply not true. Once he announced that he was signing with TCU, we pivoted. Fredrick [Cooper] came aboard as our high school recruit and we brought on [transfer portal commit] Skyler Williams to make the quarterback battle a little bit more competitive. Alonzo coming aboard was a welcomed surprise that we weren't going to turn away.

VD: Speaking of the quarterback battle, Week 1 is on the horizon and Memphis is our first opponent. What's that looking like?

CA: Ryder Burton is going to be our starter on Week 1. He sat down and earned the job. He learned behind [Kevin] Jennings last year and he knows how to manage our offense. He's meshed really well with our weapons and he's utilized them best. Skyler will back our backup and we have some packages installed to utilize his talents. Fredrick and Alonzo have both accepted redshirts, but will be ready if called upon.

VD: Was Alonzo aware that he would be getting a redshirt if he came to SMU?

CA: Doesn't matter much to me. He's a freshman, he didn't win the job. We love what he brings to the table and we want him to learn from the older, more experienced guys in front of him for when he is ready. It's an ongoing battle. Who ever prepares the best for the upcoming war will lead our team into battle. That's how it's going to work.

VD: Thank you for your time, Coach.

CA: Pony Up, Dallas.

[Captain Canada]

SMU Opening Day 2-Deep Depth Chart

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Offense

Quarterback
#14 Ryder Burton, Rs Senior • 73 overall
#7 Skyler Williams, Rs Sophomore • 72 overall

Running back
#26 Jeremy Payne, Senior • 89 overall
#22 Kyan Berry-Johnson, Rs Junior • 81 overall

X-Receiver
#8 Yamir Knight, Senior • 91 overall
#13 Daylon Singleton, Junior • 86 overall

Z-Receiver
#9 Jalen Cooper, Junior • 90 overall
#11 Carterrious Brown, Rs Sophomore • 79 overall

Y-Receiver
#4 J.J. Harrell, Rs Junior • 82 overall
#87 Jeremiah McClellan, Rs Junior • 86 overall

Tight End
#5 Adam Moore, Rs Senior • 84 overall
#84 Tripp Riordan, Rs Senior • 81 overall

Offensive Line
LT
#75 Dramodd Odoms, Junior • 87 overall
#68 King Large, Rs Junior • 75 overall

LG
#53 Austin Jasmine, Freshman • 76 overall
#76 Drew Hill, Rs Sophomore • 73 overall

C
#64 Joshua Bates, Rs Junior • 81 overall
#51 Leati Higgins, Rs Freshman • 78 overall

RG
#77 Alex Woods, Rs Senior • 76 overall
#61 B.J. Streeter, Rs Junior • 72 overall

RT
#69 Trevor Goosby, Rs Senior • 87 overall
#73 Brendan Mullen, Rs Sophomore • 70 overall

Defense

Defensive Line
EDGE
#5 D.J. Warner, Senior • 82 overall
#90 Ramon Arrollo, Sophomore • 77 overall

DE
#58 Trey Wilson, Rs Senior • 77 overall
#17 Jahkai Lang, Rs Senior • 77 overall

DT
#94 Vincent Carroll-Jackson, Rs Senior • 79 overall
#91 Darin Conley, Rs Senior • 74 overall

Linebackers
SAM
#33 Zakye Barker, Rs Senior • 82 overall
#7 Ben Stutz, Freshman • 75 overall

MIKE
#57 Kevin Lockridge, Sophomore • 79 overall
#59 Cam Davidson, Rs Senior • 73 overall

WILL
#28 Brandon Booker, Senior • 75 overall
#19 Cameron Roberson, Junior • 72 overall

Defensive Backs
RCB
#8 Marcellus Barnes Jr., Junior • 85 overall
#37 Grant Griffin, Rs Junior • 75 overall

LCB
#0 William Nettles, Rs Junior • 77 overall
#14 Manu Hook, Rs Sophomore • 73 overall

FS
#12 Isaac Paul, Rs Senior • 79 overall
#20 Armani Medlock, Rs Sophomore • 78 overall

SS
#16 Jamerson Pratt, Freshman • 66 overall
#4 Trent Abreu, Sophomore • 62 overall

Special Teams
K
#95 Sam Keltner, Rs Junior • 69 overall
#16 Miguel Benitez, Rs Freshman • 67 overall

P
#13 Dakota Odrick, Rs Freshman • 63 overall

KR
#15 Jaxson Lavender, Rs Senior • 97 overall
#87 Jeremiah McClellan, Rs Junior • 94 overall

PR
#15 Jaxson Lavender, Rs Senior • 96 overall

[Captain Canada]

Saturday, September 4, 2027 | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (Memphis, TN)

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Week 1 Preview: at Memphis (0-0, 0-0)

SMU Team Stats
Points: 0.0
Points Allowed: 0.0
Total Sacks: 0
Red Zone Conv.: 0%
Turnover Diff.: 0

Memphis Team Stats
Points: 0.0
Points Allowed: 0.0
Total Sacks: 0
Red Zone Conv.: 0%
Turnover Diff.: 0

SMU Statistical Leaders
N/A

Memphis Returning Leaders
N/A

Injury Report
SMU: None
Memphis: None

Key Matchup
CB Marcellus Barnes Jr. vs WR Corri Milliner

[redsox907]

WE BOUT TO GALLOP

[Captain Canada]

WE BOUT TO GALLOP

Trot on these hoes.

[Caesar]

It's put up or shut up time for Coach Nico. He better go out there and hang 70 on them boys