Ohio State Loses Out as Four-Star Offensive Line Target Drew Evers Shocks Recruiting World With Commitment to SMU Mustangs

The world of college football recruiting is unpredictable, and once again, the 2026 cycle proved that no powerhouse program is immune to surprise twists. Ohio State, long considered one of the frontrunners for elite offensive line prospect Drew Evers, has officially missed out on the coveted lineman. In a decision that sent ripples across recruiting circles, Evers announced his commitment to the SMU Mustangs, opting to stay closer to home and join one of the fastest-rising programs in college football.

Evers, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound offensive tackle from Flower Mound, Texas, had been a top priority for Ohio State’s offensive line coach Justin Frye throughout this recruiting cycle. Rated as a four-star prospect by nearly every major recruiting service, Evers holds a national reputation for his combination of size, athleticism, and technical polish. His rare blend of mobility and strength made him one of the most sought-after linemen in the 2026 class, with programs like Ohio State, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas A&M all pushing hard for his signature.

For much of the past year, conventional wisdom suggested that Evers was leaning toward Ohio State. The Buckeyes had been aggressive in their pursuit, pitching both their tradition of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen and the opportunity to compete for national championships in Columbus. Evers had visited Ohio State’s campus multiple times, and by all accounts, the program had made a strong impression on the Texas native and his family.

But in the end, SMU emerged as the surprise victor in this recruiting battle, leveraging several key factors that ultimately swayed Evers to stay in the Lone Star State.

Proximity to home, the opportunity to be a foundational piece of SMU’s ambitious rebuild, and the program’s upcoming transition into the ACC all played significant roles in Evers’ decision. For a player deeply rooted in his Texas upbringing, the chance to stay close to family while competing at the highest levels of college football proved too enticing to pass up.

Evers’ commitment is arguably the biggest recruiting victory for SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee since taking over the Mustangs’ program. With SMU preparing to enter the ACC, securing blue-chip prospects like Evers sends a clear message to the college football landscape: the Mustangs are serious about competing with the nation’s elite.

For SMU, this is about more than just one player. Evers represents the future of their offensive line, and more broadly, the shift in perception surrounding the Mustangs’ recruiting ceiling. Traditionally considered a Group of Five program, SMU’s move to the ACC has already begun to alter how top-tier prospects view the Dallas-based university.

Evers is a textbook example of how conference realignment can reshape recruiting dynamics. Before SMU’s impending ACC debut, landing a player of his caliber would have been virtually unthinkable. Now, with the allure of Power Five football, enhanced exposure, and the opportunity to stay close to home, SMU has become a viable option for Texas-based blue-chip recruits.

From a technical standpoint, Evers brings immediate promise to SMU’s offensive line room. He is lauded for his footwork, hand placement, and ability to maintain leverage against both speed and power rushers. Scouts consistently rave about his pass protection skills, but it’s his nasty streak in the run game that has drawn comparisons to some of the top tackles in recent recruiting cycles.

Beyond the physical tools, Evers has earned a reputation for his work ethic and leadership qualities. Coaches describe him as a film junkie with an advanced understanding of blocking schemes for his age. His presence will not only upgrade SMU’s on-field product but also elevate the culture within the offensive line unit.

For Ohio State, this marks a frustrating development in what has otherwise been a productive recruiting cycle. The Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye, have made offensive line play a focal point of their roster construction. Ohio State consistently sends linemen to the NFL, with recent standouts like Paris Johnson Jr., Nicholas Petit-Frere, and Dawand Jones reinforcing the program’s reputation for elite offensive line development.

Losing Evers does not derail Ohio State’s offensive line recruiting entirely, but it represents a rare miss for the Buckeyes, who have prided themselves on closing with top national prospects at key positions. The Buckeyes still have several other blue-chip linemen on their board, including targets in the Midwest and along the East Coast. However, missing on a player of Evers’ caliber—especially after being viewed as a frontrunner—will undoubtedly force the staff to reassess their approach for the remainder of the cycle.

Some insiders point to the broader recruiting landscape in Texas as a challenge for programs like Ohio State. With the emergence of NIL opportunities, conference realignments, and Texas-based programs like SMU, TCU, and Houston elevating their profiles, the Lone Star State has become increasingly difficult terrain for out-of-region programs to dominate. Staying home, playing in front of family, and benefiting from in-state marketing deals have made the Texas schools more competitive than ever before.

While Ohio State still holds commitments from several elite prospects in the 2026 class, the loss of Evers underscores how competitive national recruiting has become. The Buckeyes have long recruited coast to coast, but as regional programs rise in stature and NIL factors grow in influence, even a powerhouse like Ohio State isn’t immune to surprises.

As for SMU, this commitment serves as both a statement of intent and a validation of their new status in college football’s hierarchy. Landing a player like Evers isn’t just about adding a talented lineman—it’s about signaling to other elite recruits that SMU is building something special in Dallas.

The Mustangs’ upcoming debut in the ACC offers fertile ground for growth, exposure, and on-field success. Evers’ decision to commit early provides momentum for SMU to continue stacking their recruiting classes with top-tier talent. It also enhances their offensive line, a unit that will be critical to competing with the physical fronts they’ll face in the ACC.

Evers’ announcement came via social media, where he thanked his family, coaches, and supporters, stating, “I’ve prayed on this decision, and after talking with my family, I know SMU is the right place for me. I believe in the vision Coach Lashlee and the staff have for this program, and I want to be part of building something special right here in Dallas.”

That sentiment reflects a growing trend among Texas recruits who want to elevate in-state programs to national prominence. With SMU’s resources, ACC affiliation, and proximity to one of the nation’s most fertile recruiting territories, Evers’ decision may be the first domino in a larger shift.

For now, Ohio State will regroup and refocus its offensive line recruiting efforts, while SMU celebrates one of the most significant victories of the Lashlee era. Drew Evers’ commitment to SMU is not just a recruiting headline—it’s a defining moment for the Mustangs, and a clear signal that college football’s recruiting landscape continues to evolve in unexpected ways.