Portal Bound: SMU LB DJ Warner Enters

BOOM! Another huge addition to the college football transfer portal today as SMU LB DJ Warner announced to me he will be putting his name into the 2025 portal. The former 4-star recruit will be highly sought after from the jump without a doubt after his play in the ACC for the bowl-bound SMU Mustangs.

Warner came to SMU from Kansas and did not disappoint one bit. He found his way into the meat of the Mustangs defense as an edge rusher, though with his size & skill he also looks to be headed toward more of a traditional LB spot. At 6'4", 230, that is a very scary thought for offenses in 2026. This season he showed off his big-play abilities often, with 2 QB hits against Stanford, a sack against Clemson, & a breakout performance against Boston College with 1.5 sacks & a forced fumble.

Those numbers, all against Power 4 opponents, show that the true sophomore will be welcomed by many teams in 2026. The former Under Armour All-American had many offers out of high school, including his home-state schools of Arizona State & Arizona. The hometown teams better get in there quick, as schools like Washington, Oregon, Michigan, & Texas may all look to rekindle their interest as well.

Of course, when players enter the portal, fans & social media immediately jump to the possibility of returning home, especially with players like Warner who aren’t leaving due to lack of opportunity. Instead, he showed the nation before entering his name that he can play anywhere & make a difference for a team. Keep a close eye for any updates moving forward as Warner looks to find a home for his final two seasons of eligibility.