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.