SMU Football Position Battles That Could Define Fall Camp

DALLAS - SMU football enters fall camp with legitimate ACC championship expectations, an established quarterback in Kevin Jennings and enough depth to make several position battles matter well beyond the opening-week depth chart.

Jennings is unquestionably the leader of the offense, which means the most important competition will happen directly in front of him.

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PJ Williams, Joshua Bates, Addison Nichols, Andrew Chamblee and Dramodd Odoms give the Mustangs multiple offensive-line combinations to evaluate before the season begins.

The tackle spot opposite Williams may be the biggest job available. Chamblee and Odoms carried their competition through the spring, and both offer intriguing upside.

Odoms arrived at SMU with the pedigree of a former five-star prospect, but potential won’t win the position by itself. The Mustangs need consistency, clean pass protection and someone capable of handling ACC edge rushers without requiring constant help.

SMU’s secondary will feature even more uncertainty.

Tyren Polley Jr. and Sael Reyes should receive plenty of attention in the competition to replace Isaiah Nwokobia at rover safety. Polley enters camp with valuable experience and two interceptions from last season, but Reyes has a chance to force his way onto the field.

Transfers Jarvis Lee and Jimmy Wyrick also give the coaching staff flexibility when building its preferred safety combinations.

Cornerback might be SMU’s most urgent defensive concern. The Mustangs surrendered 283.2 passing yards per game in 2025, a number that must improve if they’re going to survive the ACC’s best quarterbacks.

Marcellus Barnes Jr., William “Speedy” Nettles and Jaelyn Davis-Robinson return with experience, while Jayvon Thomas and several younger defensive backs will push for snaps.

This won’t simply be about identifying two starters. SMU must establish its nickel package, find dependable matchup defenders and reduce the explosive plays that damaged the defense last season.

The running-back competition should be equally entertaining, even if Kendrick Raphael begins camp as the favorite. Raphael produced 1,084 all-purpose yards and 13 rushing touchdowns at Cal in 2025, giving SMU a proven option who can handle a significant workload.

Derrick McFall brings a different dimension with his speed and receiving ability, while Dramekco Green will fight for a role in the rotation.

The biggest question isn’t necessarily who starts. It’s whether Raphael becomes the unquestioned feature back or shares touches with McFall in a more versatile committee.

Wide receiver and defensive line will also require sorting. Jalen Cooper and Yamir Knight headline a talented receiving group, but Jennings still needs a reliable third-down target and a clear hierarchy around him.

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Defensively, Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, Tavion Atkinson and Ira Singleton IV are among the linemen competing to become trusted members of the rotation.

SMU already knows who will lead the offense. Fall camp will determine whether the Mustangs have enough answers everywhere else to turn preseason optimism into another ACC title run.