Jarvis Lee ranks second among all FBS defensive backs with 12 TFLs. Now he’s bound for Dallas.
The SMU Mustangs have been significant players in the transfer portal throughout the 2020s decade, landing All-ACC talents like Jordan Hudson, Brashard Smith, Elijah Roberts, Jared Harrison-Hunte, Jakai Clark, and Kobe Wilson from the portal. Rhett Lashlee and Co. hope the 2026 cycle continues the trend, and SMU is off to a strong start.
After landing an All-American Conference wide receiver in Yannick Smith from East Carolina, the Mustangs tapped further into their former league for South Florida cornerback Jarvis Lee.
Lee spent three seasons at South Florida, experiencing a tremendous breakout during the 2025 campaign. The nickel corner produced a unique stat-line for a defensive back, compiling 55 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His 12 tackles for loss ranked second among all American Conference players and second among all FBS defensive backs, only trailing Miami (FL)’s Keionte Scott who has 13 prior to his upcoming Fiesta Bowl.
In addition to his backfield invasion endeavors, Lee played a significant hand in the turnover battle, leading USF to the 9th-most takeaways in the FBS. The Jacksonville, FL native forced three fumbles and snatched two interceptions on a Bulls’ defense heavily reliant on these chaos plays.
Lee arrives as a perfect fit for an SMU defense that secured the fourth-most turnovers in the FBS with 28. The former Bull can also be a remedy to a Mustang passing defense which ranked 135th of 136 in aerial yards allowed per game at 283. Lee also offers versatility in the defensive back room with the ability to thrive as a boundary corner, nickel corner, or safety, giving Lashlee’s staff plenty of uses for the soon-to-be senior. SMU’s secondary loses several graduating seniors including All-ACC safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses, making room for Lee to be one of the veteran leaders of the 2026 defense.
Lee is one of two South Florida Bulls making the move to Dallas thus far, joining outside linebacker Ira Singleton, who recorded seven tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2025.
Category: General Sports
