Joshua Bates anchors SMU’s veteran O-line with ACC-caliber consistency
In the 2025 season, Joshua Bates started all 13 games for SMU and helped power an offense that averaged 283.1 passing yards per game and allowed only 19 sacks, a sign of dependable, high-level line play. He enters 2026 as an All-ACC preseason honoree and one of the Mustangs’ key returning veterans up front. What makes him stand out is steady, assignment-sound play in a group that’s built to keep SMU’s offense humming; if you want a center who can stabilize protection and lead a physical front, he looks like a strong fit.
