SMU Mustangs: WR Jalen Cooper Jumps on the Pony Express

© Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Rhett Lashlee and the SMU Mustangs continue their scorching hot July on the recruiting trail. On July 5, SMU received its fifth four-star commitment in five days. Jalen Cooper, one of the most productive prep wide receivers in Texas, joined a rapidly strengthening 2025 recruiting class in Dallas.

On3 rates Cooper as the No. 19 wide receiver in the 2025 class and the No. 142 overall prospect. Before deciding on SMU, Cooper received offers from Kansas State, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Utah and many others.

Jalen Cooper's Background

At his high school in Cibolo, Texas (in the suburban San Antonio area), Cooper is a two-sport athlete. In addition to performing on the gridiron, he is a fleet-footed track star. As a sophomore in 2022, he had 419 receiving yards on 24 catches, 5 of which were touchdown receptions. His numbers exploded in his junior season when he hauled in 68 receptions for 1,661 yards with 23 touchdowns. His average yardage per reception was a jaw-dropping 24.4.

Per QB Hit List, Cooper is an exceptionally well-coordinated wide receiver who excels at catching passes in traffic. With his speed, he easily beats high school defensive backs in route running. After the catch, his elusiveness frequently extends plays.

Cooper's Recruitment

After making his official visit to the Hilltop in May, Cooper told Yahoo Sports that he was wowed by Lashlee, the SMU coaching staff and the buzz surrounding the resurgent Mustangs' football program. He said he was particularly impressed by the way coaches interacted with players. Furthermore, he said he is excited about the offensive schemes the Mustangs plan on deploying as they transition into the Atlantic Coast Conference. Cooper noted that SMU was continuously in contact with him throughout his recruitment.

SMU's 2025 Class

Cooper is the third wide receiver to join the Mustangs' 2025 class. And, as noted, he is the fifth four-star athlete to join the class in the first five days of July, following the commitments of linebacker Mark Iheanachor (July 1), EDGE Chinedu Onyeagoro (July 1), quarterback Ty Hawkins (July 3) and offensive lineman Dramodd Odums (July 4).

This recent surge of recruiting success has resulted in SMU rising up to the No. 22 position in On3's national recruiting class rankings.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the SMU Mustangs and college football recruiting.