The Mustangs are close to opening their season against Florida State, and Lashlee has liked what he's seen from his team and his quarterback.
The SMU Mustangs are gearing up for their season opener against Florida State, and head coach Rhett Lashlee has been keeping a watchful eye over camp.
With the Mustangs getting a lot of love from those outside the building as it pertains to their 2026 chances, we know that inside the building, it's one day at a time.
Some have the Mustangs as one of the teams to beat in the ACC along with Miami, and after a 9-4 season in 2025, more is expected from SMU.
But to do that, the team has to build a solid foundation in the preseason, which, by all accounts, they have.
Yes, the injuries to Link Rhodes and Abel Hoopii mean both will be out for the year, which is a hammer blow.
And for Lashlee, he's liked what he's seen from his team over camp, with one big focus now on getting quarterback Kevin Jennings back in a groove.
"I think camp's been good," Lashlee said. "Obviously, it started with night one, Kevin smashing his fingers. So, then he missed about 10 or 12 days. Last week, though, he was able to throw every day, and he's taking reps in team.
"So, he's back with the ones. So, it's good. So, thankful we have this week and next week to try to just get him and the receivers and their timing back from what they had in the summer.
So, things are in good shape for SMU ahead of their season opener, and the time will likely now be used to get Jennings as comfortable as possible, because the Mustangs can't afford a slow start to 2026.
Lashlee did mention the defense has been a little "banged up," but is getting healthy now, so it appears it's all gas, no brakes for the Mustangs.
Seen as one of the top teams in the conference, SMU is going to get everyone's attention in 2026. Having won at least nine games in each of its last three seasons, SMU is a successful program.
However, many want them to take the next step, and with a favorable schedule and a roster that, from top to bottom, Lashlee has stated has the potential to be the most talented he's ever had, it all points to a successful season. Whatever that looks like.
But to have that, Jennings has to be healthy, and it appears he's well on the way.
