We are in the thick of preseason for the Mustangs, but how has the team looked so far?
There is no denying that the SMU Mustangs are shaping up as one of the teams to beat in the ACC, alongside Miami and Louisville.
But for coach Rhett Lashlee's team to continue their winning ways, which have seen the Mustangs win at least nine games in each of the past three seasons, they have to improve on both sides of the ball.
That can be a little tricky with so much player turnover, but the Mustangs, as their roster is currently constructed, seem to have one of the better units in college football.
Kevin Jennings at quarterback, good running backs, and a great offensive line, coupled with a stout defense, all the ingredients are there.
But they have to be working together, and that is what camp is for, ironing out the wrinkles in the scheme and developing the chemistry that this team will lean on when adversity hits.
And for Jennings, he gave a little insight into how camp has been going so far.
"Think it went really well honestly," Jennings said via CBS News Texas. "I'm seeing new guys make plays out there, guys flying around, high energy, everybody looked pretty good. I think the offense executed at a high level, defense made us work for it as well. They executed, flying to the ball and all those type of things, think it went pretty good."
So it has been a smooth offseason to date for the Mustangs, with Jennings now back in the fold after a finger injury that sidelined him for a few days.
Initially thought to be a potentially serious injury, Jennings reportedly jammed his finger in a door, according to Lashlee, and some even thought he could be in doubt for the season opener.
Thankfully, it was only a minor injury as Ty Hawkins got some first-team reps in camp.
Many see the Mustangs as one of the teams to beat in the ACC, and after winning the Holiday Bowl last season, SMU has the talent to go beyond that in 2026 if lady luck shines down on them.
Yes, there will still be some challenges to come, and with an easy schedule, the Mustangs could be up to their eyeballs in the race for a title.
And building a good foundation in preseason will no doubt help them down the line, which, according to Jennings, is going rather well right now.
