A look at where SMU football’s roster stands: Who’s coming back, who’s leaving and who we’re still waiting on

The Mustangs’ roster is beginning to take shape with just two months until spring practice starts.

The SMU football roster for 2021 is far from a done deal. There is still national signing day in February, and head coach Sonny Dykes said he expected some transfers to make their way to the school this month. There are also some seniors who have yet to announce whether they intend to use their extra year of eligibility to return next season.

All that said, the roster is beginning to take shape. Here’s a look at where things stand as the calendar turns to 2021 and a potential start to spring practice is just two months away.

Who’s coming back?
Several seniors have announced that they plan to return for another season with the Mustangs. The NCAA gave every athlete an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and these seniors’ scholarships don’t count against the 85-scholarship limit.

The biggest names to announce their return are offensive lineman Hayden Howerton and linebacker Delano Robinson, both of whom were captains last season. Howerton was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team. Robinson had 77 tackles, including six for a loss.

Senior offensive lineman Beau Morris tweeted that he would be attending graduate school, indicating a likely return. Junior offensive lineman Jaylon Thomas — a potential NFL prospect — told The Dallas Morning News last month that he intended to return. Defensive end/linebacker Gerrit Choate will return after being injured all of 2020.

Senior linebacker Richard Moore, who missed most of the past two seasons, indicated to the coaching staff that he wants to return, Dykes said in November. It would be Moore’s seventh year in college football. Dykes also said he expects 18 or 19 starters to return next season.