The SMU Mustangs just snuck into CBS Sports' "way-too-early" top-25 because of a loaded transfer portal class.
Following the Indiana Hoosiers' win over the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 National Championship and the end of the 2025 college football season, CBS Sports has announced its yearly "way-too-early" rankings for the 2026 regular season.
Indiana, the undefeated national champs, dropped from the No. 1 standing they enjoyed much of this season with down to No. 8 in the early rankings, largely due to Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza heading to the NFL. Miami slots in at No. 13.
But what about your SMU Mustangs?
They just make the cut at No. 23 because of an impressive showing in the transfer portal to start the new year. SMU is one spot below new head coach Matt Campbell at Penn State and one spot above Virginia Tech, now led by former Nittany Lion coach James Franklin.
Texas A&M tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom, Cal running back Kendrick Raphael, ECU wide receiver Yannick Smith and Alabama receiver Jalen Hale headline the crop of newcomers, along with quarterback Kevin Jennings returning to The Hilltop.
"SMU quietly won nine games last season," Marcello says. "Mustangs could make the push again."
Among all ACC teams, Miami (13) and Louisville (16) are the only teams ahead of the Mustangs and Hokies in these rankings.
SMU finished with tied for the second-best conference record at 6-2 with their two losses coming in one-score games on the road to Wake Forest and Cal. The game against the Demon Deacons ended the 20-game streak of regular-season conference wins for the Mustangs since joining the league.
With the Dallas native Jennings back at the controls, coach Rhett Lashlee shouldn't see much of a drop off in 2026. However, they are scheduled to travel to Notre Dame, who is ranked No. 5 in the way-too-early look at things. That one won't be easy.
SMU's big win over the Canes was a memorable moment from 2025, but there won't be a Round 2 in 2026, so as a consolation, the Mustangs will play the second-highest ranked team in the conference in the Louisville Cardinals, also on the road.
Right on the Ponies' heels are the Hokies, too, who Marcello says might've landed the "best hire of the coaching carousel" and the "best transfer class in Virginia Tech history." SMU plays VT at home this upcoming season.
CBS Sports ends by mentioning how the ACC is "wide open", notably with Miami losing quarterback Carson Beck, who finally departs college football.
Can the Mustangs take advantage of the new-look parity in the ACC?
We'll find out soon enough, but for now we have "way-too-early" rankings to comfort us as we gaze off into the distance waiting for the next college football season to peak over the horizon.
