SMU Football’s Breakout Stars Could Define the Mustangs’ 2026 Run

SMU football enters the 2026 season with Kevin Jennings still running the offense, but the Mustangs’ ceiling may depend on a collection of young players who haven’t yet become household names.

As Lia Assimakopoulos with The Dallas Morning News wrote, several veterans already believe those breakout candidates are ready.

MORE: SMU Coach Sounds Off on ACC's College Football Playoff Treatment

Wide receiver Yamir Knight is the most obvious name after announcing himself during the Holiday Bowl.

Knight caught seven passes for 104 yards and earned offensive MVP honors, providing a preview of what he could become with Romello Brinson and Jordan Hudson no longer dominating the targets.

Jennings now needs a new No. 1 receiver, and Knight has the speed and playmaking ability to take the job.

After finishing last season with momentum, he’ll have an opportunity to become one of the ACC’s most dangerous vertical threats.

The offensive line also has two massive wild cards in Abel Hoopii and Dramodd Odoms.

Odoms arrived as the highest-rated recruit in SMU history, bringing five-star expectations and the physical talent to become a foundational piece.

Hoopii, meanwhile, has impressed veteran lineman PJ Williams with his strength, preparation and willingness to work.

Both will be asked to mature quickly as SMU reshapes its protection unit.

Running back Dramekco Green could provide another jolt. Green received only 25 carries last season but turned them into 90 yards and a touchdown.

With a larger role available, his combination of power, balance and elusiveness could make him an ideal partner for California transfer Kendrick Raphael.

SMU’s defense has its own list of players ready to escape the shadows.

Safety Tyren Polley recorded 17 tackles and two interceptions last year while earning more responsibility as the season progressed.

Now he’ll be expected to help replace Ahmaad Moses and Isaiah Nwokobia. Polley isn’t simply a downhill hitter, either.

His range and ability to defend deep could make him one of the secondary’s most important pieces.

Defensive tackle Kevin Allen has patiently waited behind older players.

After producing 12 tackles in 12 games last season, the third-year Mustang finally appears positioned for meaningful snaps in the middle of the defense.

Then there’s freshman edge rusher Hudson Woods.

Woods may not crack the regular rotation immediately, but linebacker Brandon Booker sees the same kind of relentless attitude that helped Booker play in all 14 games as a true freshman.

That’s serious praise from someone who recently followed the same path.

SMU doesn’t need every young player to explode at once. It needs enough of them to prove the roster hasn’t taken a step backward.

MORE: SMU Star Bryson DeChambeau Stung by Costly Open Championship Penalty

Knight could become Jennings’ new security blanket. Odoms may become the next cornerstone up front. Polley has a chance to command the secondary.

The Mustangs lost recognizable names. Now it’s time for the next wave to make some.