SMU Guard B.J. Edwards Ruled Out of NCAA Tournament Opener

Mustangs will be without starting guard for First Four matchup against Miami (Ohio)

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:36pm

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SMU guard B.J. Edwards will not play in the Mustangs' NCAA Tournament First Four game against Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday night due to an ankle injury. Edwards has not played since February 25th, and SMU has gone 1-4 in their last six games without him. The news comes as a surprise, as the school had previously announced that Edwards was expected to return for the tournament.

Why it matters

Edwards is a key player for SMU, averaging 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. His absence will be a significant blow to the Mustangs' chances in the tournament, as the selection committee had factored in his expected return when awarding SMU the final at-large bid.

The details

SMU forward Corey Washington, who dislocated his shoulder in the ACC tournament, will play in the game against Miami (Ohio). The Mustangs have struggled without Edwards, going 1-4 in their last six games. SMU coach Andy Enfield said on Tuesday that Edwards had made a lot of progress, but they would do what's best for the student-athlete.

  • Edwards was injured on February 25th in the first half against California.
  • SMU announced on Friday that Edwards was expected to return for the NCAA Tournament.

The players

B.J. Edwards

SMU starting guard who will miss the NCAA Tournament opener against Miami (Ohio) due to an ankle injury.

Corey Washington

SMU forward who dislocated his shoulder in the ACC tournament but will play in the game against Miami (Ohio).

Andy Enfield

SMU head coach who said Edwards had made a lot of progress but they would do what's best for the student-athlete.

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What they’re saying

“He's made a lot of progress. It's going to be a situation where if he can go, great, but we're always going to do what's best for the student-athlete. We feel great right now, and he looked great yesterday.”

— Andy Enfield, SMU Head Coach

What’s next

If SMU advances, Edwards could return later in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

The loss of starting guard B.J. Edwards is a significant blow to SMU's chances in the NCAA Tournament, as he is a key player for the Mustangs. However, the team will have to find a way to win without him in their First Four matchup against Miami (Ohio).