Southern Methodist University Mustangs center Jaden Toombs (10) shoots over Virginia Cavaliers center Johann Gruenloh (17) During the first half of a college basketball game, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Moody Coliseum in Dallas .
SMU’s men’s basketball team built some momentum last season when it reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017 before falling in the First Four to Miami (Ohio).
The feeling of that loss has stuck with head coach Andy Enfield and his returning players since and is serving as motivation as the team prepares for its 2026-27 season.
“Ultimately, I just don’t want to feel how I felt after that First Four loss ever again,” SMU forward Jaden Toombs said. “I feel like this year we’ve all got a chip on our shoulders.”
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As much as last season’s successes can inspire a new group at SMU this fall, in many ways, they’re starting from scratch.
The Mustangs lost all five starters and 10 total players from last year’s roster — some to graduation and others to the transfer portal. Jermaine O’Neal Jr. and Toombs are the only two rotation players returning. Sophomore Nigel Walls, who played limited minutes, and redshirt freshman Billy White III are the only others back from last year’s team.
SMU added eight transfers and two freshmen to round out the roster.
Southern Methodist University head coach Andy Enfield reacts towards the referee during the second half of a college basketball game against the North Carolina Tar Heels, on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at SMU.
“Our whole team is 75% new. It’s a lot to replace,” Enfield said Tuesday, speaking with The Dallas Morning News while at ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C. “But at the same time, it’s exciting. It’s a new opportunity to have guys buy into the system offensively. We did a great job in the preseason of pushing the pace of our offense and sharing the basketball.”
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Enfield’s transfer class ranks No. 22 in the nation, per On3, and brings some big names to the Hilltop: shooting guard Oziyah Sellers from St. John’s, shooting guard Jacob Patrick from Utah, shooting guard Gehrig Normand from Santa Clara, power forward Johan Munch from Oregon State, small forward Jaylin Stewart from UConn, power forward Nic Codie from Texas, shooting guard David Terrell Jr. from North Texas and point guard Rowan Brumbaugh from Tulane.
Brumbaugh will have big shoes to fill, replacing point guard Boopie Miller, who graduated after leading the team in scoring over the last two seasons.
“I just thought I could fit right in and be a great addition for the program,” Brumbaugh said. “I’m a pure point guard. I really like to pass the ball, but I can also score. The way I like to score, it’s a lot of cutting. It’s off-ball screens. Andy really emphasizes cutting, ball movement, and we set a lot of ball screens. I thought I could really maximize my play under his offense.”
Codie and Stewart come from teams familiar with deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, and Enfield expects them to take on even bigger roles than they are used to.
“Jaylin Stewart has been part of winning at a high level, but he came off the bench at UConn and played behind some very good players for three years,” he said. “Now, it’s his chance to have a more expanded offensive and defensive role. Nic Codie from Texas, it’s the same type of situation for him.”
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Meanwhile, Enfield is leaning heavily on his returners to help bring the newcomers along.
Toombs and O’Neal were the first two players off the bench last season as true freshmen. O’Neal averaged 4.5 points and two rebounds per game, while Toombs averaged 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.
“I’ve wanted the bigger role. I’ve asked for it,” Toombs said. “And now it’s all on me to go out there every night and be consistent for my team.”
Expectations are also high for White, who didn’t play during his first year on campus but is expected to combine his size at 6-8 and shooting ability to have a major impact this season.
“I feel like Billy is the best shooter in the ACC,” Toombs said. “He hasn’t been able to show that. If you came to watch him, you wouldn’t think that he redshirted last year.”
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The Mustangs have about a month remaining and one exhibition game to get ready before their season begins against Southern at Moody Coliseum on Nov. 2.
“The early games are just as important if you look at how the NCAA Tournament is selected and how your season shapes up,” Enfield said. “We have to be ready to go Nov. 2 when we tip off, and I think this team has that potential to get back there.”
