Earlier this year, SMU football coach Sonny Dykes was asked about the success of the program via the transfer portal. The perception was that few coaches would flourish by relying players from the portal to lead the team.

Dykes showed that it can work. The resume: Ten wins, a bowl appearance, national recognition and high expectations for the upcoming season. Credit the success to players like quarterback Shane Buechele (Texas transfer), linebacker/safety Pat Nelson (Illinois), linebacker Richard McBryde (Auburn), tight end Kylen Granson (Rice) and defensive tackle Zach Abercrumbia (Rice), among others.