After transferring to Aledo, standout tight end announces commitment to SMU
Aledo junior tight end Caden Palmquest announced his commitment to SMU on social media Monday.
Palmquest, who thrived at defensive end and tight end for Arizona’s Valley Christian High School, announced a move to Aledo in January and saw his recruiting skyrocket. He received his first notable offer from SMU on April 30 and proceeded to receive offers from Oregon State, North Texas, UNLV, Tulane, Arkansas, UTSA and Baylor.
“After many conversations with my family and coaches, I am thrilled to announce that I will be continuing my football career at SMU!,” Palmquest wrote on X. “From the very first interaction with the Coaches they made me a priority. The culture, the family they’ve built, and the opportunity to make an impact at the TE position made SMU the perfect fit for me. Grateful to every School and Coach that recruited me. God is so good! Dallas, I’m on my way!”
He was recruited by former Southlake Carroll head coach Riley Dodge, who now serves as SMU’s tight ends coach and passing game coordinator.
With a 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame, Palmquest also competes in shot put and threw 46 1/2 feet as a sophomore, taking first in Aledo’s district meet. He has serious full body strength with an ability to squat 425 pounds.
Palmquest is one of multiple talented transfers to join Aledo’s roster ahead of a move to Class 6A in the 2026 University Interscholastic League realignment. Another is three-star quarterback Tre Williams, a transfer from Lewisville, who totaled 2,536 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with the Farmers.
Palmquest, who became the only player in his region in Arizona to earn first team honors on both sides of the ball, wrote the following on Instagram regarding his commitment:
“Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Committed.”
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 2:27 PM.
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