NFL
By: Levy Johnigan
The rebirth of SMU Mustangs football continues in 2026 as we enter year 5 of the Rhett Lashlee era, coming off a 9-4 season. This isn’t a feel-good story anymore; this is a legit ACC and CFB contender. Only Miami has reached 20 wins in the ACC faster than SMU in two years. Remember when this was a cute little private school from the American Athletic Conference that paid its way into the Power 4. Yeah, about that. Now, with some weapons on both sides of the ball, the question becomes: can they take things to another level? With a dark-horse Heisman candidate at QB, will this be the year people take note of this team from Dallas? The reason expectations are high is due to the talent and depth on the roster. Now the challenge becomes turning last year’s success into another ACC title run.
Expectations for 2026
What should fans expect from SMU this season, you ask? It starts and ends with number 7 Kevin Jennings at quarterback; when given time to make plays, he delivers the goods and then some. This is a strong attack with a great mix of veterans in key spots, and transfers to fill the holes. There isn’t anything to really fix; it’s just about getting better. Putting up around 32 ppg last season and 91% in the red zone, Number 7 gets the job done at a high clip. Jennings also enters his 3rd season in the Rhett Lashlee offense, not something you see a lot in today’s world of transferring left and right. The Mustangs have speed at the right places and a deep but unproven WR group. I say that since no returning wideout caught more than 3 passes last year except senior Yamir Knight.
Concerns are: can the offensive line protect Jennings and help cut down on his interceptions? And how does this young defense hold up against the ACC elite? The players picked up in the portal will provide help for the starters they lost last season.
Players to Watch
Offense:
Kevin Jennings: Leader of the team, top 3 QBs in the ACC. If he plays at an All-ACC level, this team should reach 10 wins.
Kendrick Raphael: This dude is PHYSICAL! Every down back and get the tough yards. This takes pressure off the QB and opens things up for everyone.
Jalen Hale: GREAT pickup! He stays healthy, and you have a serious threat who makes up for lost production.
Randy Pittman: The senior TE comes from FSU and will play a big role in the offense while giving Jennings that red zone target every QB needs in the red zone.
Defense:
Brandon Booker: The linebacker is the leader on this side of the ball. The classic sideline-to-sideline tackling machine, a key when they face tough ACC teams. A tone setter
Tyren Polley: Played last season with a broken hand, which didn’t stop him from being a ball hawk. I feel with an offseason to get his body right, he is the next SMU secondary star.
Jimmy Wyrick: One of the transfers that will be looked to fill the void left from last season.
Marques White: You will not and cannot win in today’s college football without an edge rusher who goes and gets the QB. He is a big part of the pass rush plan for the Mustangs. Look for him to be the primary rusher who sets the tone for the D-line.
Sleeper Picks:
I went with 3 wideouts who all bring different skill sets and can open up an already high-powered offense. Jalen Cooper, 2nd season in Dallas; big things coming; Isaiah Robertson now healthy. What will he bring? And Yannick Smith, a big-body target transfer from ECU.
Final Thoughts:
The spotlight on this team and program has never been higher under coach Rhett Lashlee. They have proven they belong in the elite part of the ACC; now it is a return to not just that but to the CFP as well. The biggest reason for optimism is Kevin Jennings, who has weapons all around him, new and old.
The defense will determine how far this team does or doesn’t go; let me make that very clear. With the recruits and transfers, they have a shot to be good. Creating a consistent pass rush, while limiting explosive plays, keeps them in the hunt all season long. The schedule is very manageable, with execution in the 4th quarter, health, and winning the turnover battle being big factors all season. For me, success in 2026 is reaching double-digit wins, playing for the ACC Championship, and being in the conversation for a CFP berth. Anything less will be seen as a missed opportunity to really put the ACC and college football on notice.
