Blog Article
SMU Football Will Shock The ACC In 2025
The Mustangs aren’t just joining the conversation—they’re about to dominate it.
After surprising the college football world with an 11-3 record and perfect 8-0 conference run in their ACC debut, Southern Methodist University is loaded and ready to prove 2024 was no fluke. The question isn’t whether SMU belongs—it’s whether the rest of the ACC is ready for what’s coming next.
Kevin Jennings Is The Best Quarterback Nobody’s Talking About
One sentence: that’s all it takes to understand SMU’s offensive ceiling in 2025.
The Mustangs’ attack revolves around quarterback Kevin Jennings, who silently assembled one of the most impressive statistical seasons in the conference last year:
- 3,245 passing yards (among ACC leaders)
- 23 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions
- Command of an offense that averaged 429.5 yards per game
- Dual-threat ability that kept defensive coordinators sleepless
Jennings showed remarkable growth throughout last season, displaying impressive command of the offense and making plays inside and outside the pocket that give SMU a foundation to build around.
What makes SMU’s quarterback situation even more enviable is the addition of transfer Tyler Van Dyke, providing elite-level insurance if Jennings misses any time.
The Transfer Portal Has Been SMU’s Secret Weapon
The Mustangs didn’t just dip their toes in the transfer waters—they dove in headfirst and emerged with game-changers.
While other programs scramble to patch roster holes, SMU strategically targeted and secured players who fit specific needs:
- Zion Nelson (OT): An instant starter who will anchor the offensive line
- Rocket Rahimi (S): The former San Jose State standout adds physicality to the secondary
- Terry Webb (DL): Fills the gap left by Elijah Roberts with immediate pass-rush potential
- Marcellus Barnes (CB): Provides depth and versatility to an already talented secondary
What’s most impressive about SMU’s portal strategy is their focus on quality over quantity. The coaching staff has identified specific needs and targeted experienced players who fit their culture and systems.
The portal additions don’t just fill gaps—they potentially upgrade positions of strength.
The 2024 Season Wasn’t A Fluke. It Was A Warning.
SMU’s success last season wasn’t luck or scheduling magic.
The numbers tell the story of a legitimately balanced team:
- Perfect 8-0 in regular season ACC play
- 429.5 yards per game of total offense (261.9 passing, 167.6 rushing)
- Held opponents to 326 yards per game
- Reached the College Football Playoff in Year One
- Lost a nail-biter to Clemson in the ACC Championship
The most frightening part for ACC opponents? This team is still ascending.
While detractors point to losses against Power Four competition, they conveniently ignore how close those games were and how much returning talent SMU brings back for 2025.
“What this team accomplished in their first ACC season can’t be overstated. Going undefeated in conference play and reaching the playoff showed that SMU belongs at this level of competition.” — College Football Analyst.
The honeymoon is over—it’s time for SMU to take the next step.
Three Areas Where SMU Must Improve To Win The ACC
No team is perfect, and SMU’s coaching staff knows exactly where improvement is needed.
- Defensive consistency against elite competition: The Mustangs defense showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but faltered in crucial moments against Clemson and Penn State. The addition of Terry Webb and a revamped defensive line aims to generate more consistent pressure without excessive blitzing.
- In-game adjustments against top-tier opponents: The coaching staff struggled to counter-punch effectively when the initial game plan encountered resistance in the biggest games. Year Two in the conference should bring better situational awareness and tactical flexibility.
- Replacing lost offensive production: With the departure of top rusher Brashard Smith and several key receivers, new playmakers must emerge. LJ Johnson Jr. and transfer Christopher Johnson will lead the backfield, while Jordan Hudson looks to become the primary receiving threat.
If these three areas see improvement, SMU will have a legitimate national championship upside.
The 2025 Schedule: Where The Games Will Be Won And Lost
Not all conference schedules are created equal, and SMU’s 2025 slate offers landmines and opportunities.
The critical matchups that will define the season:
- at Clemson: The ultimate measuring stick against the conference standard-bearer
- vs. Miami: A home showdown that could determine ACC Championship positioning
- vs. Louisville: Another home test against a program on a similar trajectory
- at Baylor (Non-Conference): An opportunity to make a statement against a regional Power Four opponent
Industry projections set SMU’s win total around 9.5 for the season, making them an enticing “over” bet for those who believe the program’s momentum will continue.
The most favorable aspect? SMU avoids Florida State and North Carolina, potentially easing their path through conference play.
Rhett Lashlee Is Building A Sustainable Powerhouse On The Hilltop
Culture doesn’t happen by accident.
Head coach Rhett Lashlee enters his fourth season at SMU with growing national recognition for both his offensive genius and program-building abilities. His offensive system produced a perfectly balanced attack in 2024 (261.9 passing yards and 167.6 rushing yards per game) while remaining adaptable to his personnel.
One of Lashlee’s greatest strengths is maximizing what his players do best. His offensive system presents complex problems for opponents while remaining clear and executable for the players within it.
What’s next for the coaching staff is proving they can:
- Out-scheme the ACC’s elite coaches
- Make faster in-game adjustments
- Develop the next wave of playmakers
- Convert recruiting momentum into on-field results
The foundation has been laid—now it’s about building a sustainable program that competes for championships annually.
The Bottom Line: SMU Is No Longer Just Happy To Be Here
The days of SMU being considered a novelty in the ACC are officially over.
The Mustangs transformed from curious conference newcomers to legitimate title contenders in just one season. With Jennings returning at quarterback, strategic transfer additions, and a year of invaluable experience, SMU enters 2025 with the talent and confidence to compete with anyone.
What’s happening at SMU isn’t just a one-year wonder. The infrastructure, talent, and coaching are clearly in place for sustained success at this level. The question isn’t whether they belong—it’s how high they can climb.
For a program with SMU’s rich history now writing exciting new chapters, the 2025 season represents an opportunity to prove that their ACC debut was just the beginning.
The Mustangs aren’t building for the future—their time is now.
