Branson Hickman, one of the last remaining players from the Sonny Dykes era who started 33 games over four years at SMU, announced his entry into the transfer portal Monday.

The center was a key cog in SMU’s offense as it bridged the Dykes to Rhett Lashlee transition. The Dallas Jesuit alum earned All-AAC Second Team honors for an offensive line that ranked first in the conference in sacks allowed and tackles for loss allowed.

Hickman will have one year of eligibility remaining.

SMU’s line unit brings back three First Team All-Conference honorees in guards Logan Parr and Justin Osborne, as well as left tackle Marcus Bryant. The Mustangs nabbed two Oklahoma transfers in the portal in tackle Savion Byrd and interior lineman Nate Anderson. Anderson, a former four-star from Frisco Reedy, could compete for starting reps at center with Jakai Clark after Hickman’s departure.