The Mustangs are one of the teams to beat in the ACC, but can they win it?
As the offseason rolls along, the SMU Mustangs are seen as one of the teams to keep a close eye on in 2026.
With Rhett Lashlee's team settled and the Mustangs up to their eyeballs in the ACC, many see them as a serious challenge to Miami.
Granted, this is all before a game is played, but for most, the Mustangs are set to be talked about heavily when it comes to challenging for the ACC, and maybe even something more.
After a down year with Lashlee in 2025, when SMU finished 9-4 and won the Holiday Bowl, the expectation is that the Mustangs will return to the form of their 11-win seasons in back-to-back years before 2025.
But with all the attention on Miami and others in the conference like Clemson and Louisville, it isn't going to be easy for SMU this season.
However, that hasn't stopped people from thinking this could be the season when it all comes together, and David Pollack has given three reasons why the Mustangs can win it this season.
"Why can SMU win it? Continuity at QB, proven ACC success, and a favorable draw," Pollack said. "Kevin Jennings is the main guy. He's already led SMU to an ACC championship game, to a college football playoff."
Jennings for most, is a big reason why the Mustangs are contenders this season.
A proven commodity who has thrown for over 3,000 yards in each of his last two seasons, along with a combined 49 TDs and 24 interceptions.
Not to mention the continuity along the offensive line, with PJ Williams and Josh Bates, and the running back room that features Raphael Kendrick and Drameko Green, so there is a lot to like about the offensive side of the ball.
Plus, the defensive line, as Pollack mentioned, is really good, so that will also bode well for SMU heading into the new season.
Of course, this is all a projection, and we think we know what SMU will be in 2026, but as we know, football is a fickle beast, and things can change quickly.
But right now, the Mustangs are looming as one of the teams to beat this upcoming season, and Pollack just gave us three reasons why.
