SMU Football 2026 Preview: Can Kevin Jennings Finally Finish the Job?

SMU has quickly reached the point where simply being competitive in the ACC isn’t enough. The Mustangs made the conference title game and College Football Playoff in their first ACC season, then came within a couple of losses of another huge year in 2025. Kevin Jennings is back as one of the conference’s best quarterbacks, the offensive line remains a strength, and Rhett Lashlee targeted specific weaknesses in the transfer portal, including adding Kendrick Raphael after the running back shredded SMU while playing for Cal last season.

The questions are whether a revamped group of skill players can give Jennings more help and whether a defense with new leadership can replace production up front while improving against the pass. Early road games at Florida State and Louisville leave little room for a slow start, but the rest of the schedule gives SMU a legitimate path back to the ACC Championship Game.

Have the Mustangs reached the point where the next step is not merely making the playoff, but winning once they get there? .

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