- Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee (fourth season)
- 2024 Record: 11-3 (lost in CFP first round)
- Strength of Schedule: 63rd
- PFF Projected Win Total: 8.8
- FanDuel Win Total: 8.5
2024 Recap
SMU’s first season in the ACC couldn’t have gone much better. The Mustangs finished 11-3, made the College Football Playoff and posted their best campaign in 40 years. A controversial early-season quarterback switch paid off, as Kevin Jennings finished 10th among FBS quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (85.0).
His return, along with several key contributors, gives SMU hope for another playoff push. However, lingering questions at the skill positions could keep the Mustangs from getting there.
Biggest Strength: Arguably the best safety duo in the country
It’s hard to find a better safety duo than Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses. Both ranked among the 12 highest-graded safeties in college football last season. Paired with reliable cornerback Deuce Harmon, they give SMU a strong and well-rounded secondary.
Biggest Weakness: Skill position players
The Mustangs return a top-15 tight end in RJ Maryland, but the rest of their skill-position group remains a question mark. SMU lost star running back Brashard Smith and its top two receivers, Roderick Daniels Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith. While they still have a top-10 quarterback in Kevin Jennings, the Mustangs will need to identify reliable weapons around him to sustain their offensive success.
© 2026 PFF - all rights reserved.