SMU’s second ACC season delivered another winning record, their fourth straight under Rhett Lashlee, despite a rocky start that saw them fall out of the top 25. Four close losses—by just 3, 11, 1, and 3 points—highlighted their resilience. QB Kevin Jennings thrived, throwing for 3,600+ yards and 26 TDs while leading the conference in interceptions. The receiving corps shined, with three players combining for over 2,000 yards, and the defensive line dominated, led by captain Isaiah Smith, who topped the ACC in tackles for loss and sacks. Looking ahead to 2026, SMU returns nearly all its offensive starters, including Jennings, and adds explosive transfer RB Kendrick Raephael, a conference leader in total yards and TDs. But the defense faces a major overhaul—four key linemen are gone to the NFL, replaced by portal recruits and a JUCO player, potentially weakening their front seven. With a potent offense poised to lead the ACC, SMU’s success next year will hinge on whether their revamped defense can keep up.

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