SMU lands commitment from 4-star QB after embarrassing loss to Wake Forest

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SMU football endured a forgetful 49-7 beatdown at the hands of Wake Forest Saturday. But the Mustangs and coach Rhett Lashlee pulled off one win amid the loss. This one involving four-star quarterback Tristin Gaines in a huge College Football Recruiting coup.

The Waller, Texas native and 2028 talent shut his recruitment down and chose SMU. Gaines turned down two blue blood programs in the process too.

LSU out of the SEC and Oregon from the Big Ten landed in Gaines’ final three. But Gaines ultimately felt staying home was the best move for him.

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Gaines told Rivals that he fell in love with the system coach Rhett Lashlee runs. He adds that he developed a strong rapport with both him and quarterbacks coach D’Eriq King, the latter serving as his primary recruiter.

Gaines added how SMU visualizes him competing for the QB role as a freshman or sophomore. He can’t officially enroll at SMU until after he signs his letter of intent by Dec. 2027. From there Gaines can have the option of joining the team for the January semester in 2028.

Still, his decision comes during a crucial period at the Hilltop. SMU must eventually need to find the successor for the decorated Kevin Jennings, who will hear his name in April during the NFL Draft.

Gaines isn’t the only four-star planning to head to SMU. The Mustangs hold a verbal commitment from Malachi Zeigler of Benton, Louisiana. And like Gaines, Zeigler turned down his share of powerhouse choices ranging from Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Michigan.

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