DALLAS — The expectations around SMU football continue to grow.
After establishing itself as a contender in the ACC, the Mustangs enter the 2026 season with one of the conference’s most experienced rosters and legitimate aspirations of competing for an ACC championship and a return to the College Football Playoff.
The offense begins with quarterback Kevin Jennings, who returns after developing into one of the ACC’s top playmakers. His experience and command of the offense provide stability for a unit expected to be among the conference’s most explosive.
Jennings will have plenty of talent around him. Running back Kendrick Raphael gives SMU a proven option in the backfield, while wide receiver Yamir Knight headlines a receiving corps capable of stretching defenses. Up front, offensive linemen Joshua Bates and Addison Nichols anchor a veteran line that will be counted on to protect Jennings and establish the running game.
Defensively, the Mustangs return the foundation of a unit built on speed and physicality. Linebacker Kobe Wilson enters the season as one of the ACC’s premier defenders after earning preseason All-America recognition from Athlon Sports. Defensive lineman Brandon Booker is expected to be a disruptive force up front, while safety Alexander Kilgore provides experience and leadership in the secondary.
SMU’s depth was reflected in the preseason, with eight players earning Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC honors, a sign that expectations around the program continue to rise.
The schedule will once again test the Mustangs in one of college football’s toughest conferences, but the combination of veteran leadership, offensive firepower and defensive experience gives SMU the pieces to compete with anyone in the ACC.
The next step is turning potential into championships. If the Mustangs can stay healthy and play consistently in key conference matchups, they’ll have an opportunity to contend for the ACC title and position themselves for another College Football Playoff run.
