Mustang Mood: SMU Football Co-Defensive Coordinator Maurice Crum Jr. on Calling Plays, Notre Dame & 2026 Defense

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Join Jay, Walker, and Yonnic as they sit down with SMU football Co-Defensive Coordinator and Play Caller Maurice Crum Jr. to preview the Mustangs’ 2026 defense.

Crum Jr. discusses his journey from Notre Dame linebacker and two-time team captain to coaching at SMU, taking over play-calling duties, and preparing the Mustangs for a new-look defense in the ACC.

The conversation covers SMU’s defensive identity heading into the 2026 season, how the scheme is being built around the team’s personnel, replacing key pieces up front, and the leadership of Alexander Kilgore, Ahmad Booker, and Brandon Miyazono. Crum also talks about the influence of Scott Symons, the culture of SMU football, and how the program has evolved since he joined Rhett Lashlee’s staff.

With SMU opening the season at Florida State and traveling to Notre Dame later in the year, Crum shares what it will mean to return to South Bend and how his experience as a player at Notre Dame continues to influence him as a coach.

Crum also reflects on the end of the 2025 season against Cal, the lessons from that game, and what the Mustangs need to do to take the next step in the ACC.

#SMU #SMUFootball #Mustangs #CollegeFootball #ACC #NotreDame

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