SMU Athletics Names Sean Penix Senior Associate A.D. for Commercial Strategy

By: Marc Henry Via Mustang Wire

Former Legends and Cowboys Executive to Oversee NIL, Corporate Partnerships, and Licensing Initiatives

DALLAS (November 7, 2025) — SMU Athletics has appointed Sean Penix as its new Senior Associate Athletics Director for Commercial Strategy, a key leadership role focused on accelerating the Mustangs’ revenue growth and brand impact.

Penix joins SMU from Legends, where he served as Vice President and led revenue generation across more than 40 venues nationwide, including SoFi Stadium and AT&T Stadium.

“Sean Penix is an incredible addition to the SMU Athletics family,” said Brian Ullmann, Executive Deputy Director of Athletics. “Recognized as one of the most creative revenue minds in the sports industry, Sean brings a unique blend of experience in hospitality, sports, and entertainment. His addition reflects the continued momentum of SMU Athletics.”

In his new role, Penix will direct SMU’s commercial NIL strategy, corporate partnerships, including oversight of Mustang Sports Properties/Learfield—and trademarks and licensing. He will also serve on the athletics department’s senior leadership team.

“I’m thrilled to join SMU at such a transformative time in college athletics,” said Penix. “The industry is evolving rapidly, and SMU is clearly embracing bold, innovative approaches to growth. I’m grateful to Damon Evans and Brian Ullmann for the opportunity to be part of the Mustangs’ vision.”

During his 14-year tenure with Legends and the Dallas Cowboys, Penix played a pivotal role in expanding revenue streams across private events, experiences, ticketing, digital marketing, and hospitality. He launched the tour business at The Star, the Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, generating more than $50 million in combined revenue from tours and private events since 2018. He also oversaw Collegiate Partnerships for Legends, managing 16 collegiate programs within the company’s Global Sales division.

A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Marketing and Management, Penix played defensive back for the Razorbacks, where he competed under then-offensive graduate assistant Rhett Lashlee, now SMU’s head football coach.

Penix will be joined in Dallas by his wife, Julianne, and their three daughters, Millie, Maeva, and Mika.

Bates Added To Rimington Trophy Midseason Watch List

By: Baileigh Sheffield For Mustang Wire

DALLAS — SMU center Joshua Bates has been added to the 2025 Rimington Trophy Midseason Watch List, the organization announced Thursday.

The Rimington Trophy committee, in partnership with Pro Football Focus, trimmed its preseason list to the nation’s top 40 centers and made midyear additions based on play-by-play grading and school nominations. PFF evaluates every player on every snap to measure how effectively they execute assignments.

Bates, a Colorado native and transfer from Oklahoma, has anchored SMU’s offensive line since arriving in Dallas. He has started every game this season, helping the Mustangs to a 4-1 conference record, including an overtime win over No. 10 Miami on Nov. 1. Bates played a key role in paving the way for T.J. Harden’s game-winning rushing touchdown in that victory.

With Bates leading the front line, SMU ranks 23rd nationally in passing offense and fourth in the ACC with 2,493 passing yards. The Mustangs also rank seventh in total offense with 3,492 yards.

The Rimington Trophy committee determines its winner based on three All-America teams: the Walter Camp Foundation, Sporting News, and the Football Writers Association of America.

Tennessee HS Football: The Road To A Championship

By: Jay Pace

National Writer

Ondamarcsports.com

This is Part III of a feature series in which we examine Chattanooga area playoff teams and their chances of winning a state championship. 

Today we take a look at seven-time state champion McCallie and assess their championship chances this postseason.

Tornado

🌀 Warning

Record

8-2

Head Coach

Joel Bradford (2nd)

(19-4)

Championship Pedigree

With five state titles in six years, McCallie is the very definition of a championship program. 

Following the retirement of long-time head coach Ralph Potter in 2023-who is now the defensive coordinator-McCallie alum Joel Bradford took over the program last year. The Blue Tornadoes didn’t miss a beat,  finishing the regular season at 8-2. 

Following a nasty Week 7 loss to Baylor, the Blue Tornadoes closed out the season with six straight wins, eventually culminating with a Division II-AAA state championship after avenging their earlier loss to Baylor in  the championship game.

Why They’re Dangerous

McCallie is a patient and physical football team built for the long-haul. Senior RB Kris Lloyd and sophomore Xavier Fillion lead a bruising ground game while veteran QB Eli Drapeau guides the offense. McCallie is a run first team who loves to pound between the tackles. But don't be fooled by their run-first mantra because this bunch can throw it too. Linebacker Gabe Abercrombie and burgeoning star Loia Valade, a sophomore defensive back, lead a salty defense that loves to attack. 

In short, this is a group of  battle-tested veterans who know what it takes to win a championship. 

Beating McCallie is a four-quarter effort.

Postseason Path

The Blue Tornadoes open with a familiar opponent in Father Ryan whom they beat 52-0 earlier this year. From there, the Blue Tornadoes will likely face both no.1 seeds in  Brentwood Academy  (Rd 2) and Baylor (Rd  3) just to reach the state finals. 

Biggest Obstacle

The road to a championship is never easy but the path McCallie faces is paved in sheer brutality. It's hard to get up four weeks in a row against elite competition. 

Should the.Blue Tornadoes win their sixth state title in 7 years it will have been well earned.

Title Odds

7/10

A strong contender residing among the handful of teams in Chattanooga capable of winning a state title in 2025.

Editor’s Note:

This article is part of our Championship Path series, an ongoing breakdown of area teams as they pursue a state championship. The analysis draws on film review, schedule strength, and performance metrics rather than on-site interviews to maintain consistency across all features in the series.