SMU Injury Questions Linger Ahead of UC Davis Home Opener

No. 17 SMU football returns home Saturday against UC Davis, but the Mustangs will do so with several injury questions still hanging over the roster.

The biggest confirmed absence remains running back Link Rhodes, who is out for the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn ACL during preseason camp.

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Offensive lineman Abel Hoopii is also sidelined for the year with a broken foot, removing two depth pieces Rhett Lashlee expected to have available this fall.

SMU also entered the week with running back Christian Rhodes and tight end M. Uter listed as questionable with undisclosed injuries.

Wide receiver Daylon Singleton has also appeared on injury reports, although there’s more reason for optimism there. Singleton was initially questionable before SMU’s 27-24 win at Florida State but was cleared before kickoff.

Two defensive backs bear watching as well.

Safeties Ahmaad Moses and Jaden Milliner-Jones both missed the Florida State game. Because Saturday’s matchup with UC Davis is a nonconference contest, SMU isn’t required to provide the same ACC availability report that gave a clearer picture before the Seminoles game.

The good news for the Mustangs is that quarterback Kevin Jennings is healthy and coming off one of the best performances of his career.

Jennings threw for a career-high 430 yards and three touchdowns in the victory at Florida State while adding 30 rushing yards. His availability gives SMU plenty of offensive firepower even if the running back rotation remains somewhat depleted.

Kendrick Raphael should again play a prominent role after leading the Mustangs with 75 rushing yards in the opener. Wide receiver Yannick Smith, who posted 107 receiving yards against Florida State, also gives Jennings a proven downfield option.

UC Davis enters Dallas without any widely reported major injury issues, meaning SMU shouldn’t expect an undermanned opponent despite the gap between the programs.

The Mustangs are trying to avoid a letdown after an emotional road victory and a short turnaround.

That makes depth especially important.

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SMU should have more than enough talent to control the game, but Saturday also offers Lashlee an opportunity to protect banged-up players, develop younger contributors and get through the home opener without adding to the injury list.

Kickoff at Gerald J. Ford Stadium is set for 3 p.m. CT on ACCNX.