The 2025 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season . They were led by Rhett Lashlee in his fourth year as head coach. The Mustangs played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas .
Transfers
Incoming
Name
Pos.
Height
Weight
Hometown
Previous School
Addison Nichols
OL
6'5"
312 lbs
Norcross, GA
Arkansas
Deshawn Warner
EDGE
6'4"
215 lbs
Goodyear, AZ
Kansas
Christopher Johnson
RB
5'11"
169 lbs
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Miami (FL)
Joshua Bates
OL
6'3"
280 lbs
Durango, CO
Oklahoma
Zakye Barker
LB
5'11"
220 lbs
Norcross, GA
East Carolina
Trey Wilson
DL
6'3"
245 lbs
Garland, TX
Baylor
Damarjhe Lewis
DL
6'3"
301 lbs
Griffin, GA
Purdue
Eric Taylor
DL
6'4"
280 lbs
Trussville, AL
Mississippi State
Ryan Collins
P
6'3"
220 lbs
Santa Clara, CA
Cal Poly
Zion Nelson
OT
6'5"
307 lbs
Sumter, SC
Miami (FL)
Tyler Van Dyke
QB
6'4"
229 lbs
Glastonbury, CT
Wisconsin
Jeffrey M'Ba
DL
6'6"
315 lbs
Independence, KS
Purdue
Marcellus Barnes
CB
5'11.5"
170 lbs
Chattanooga, TN
Syracuse
Morgan Tribbett
LS
5'11"
230 lbs
Eaton, CO
Colorado State
Terry Webb
DL
6'3"
300 lbs
Galveston, TX
Texas State
T.J. Harden
RB
6'2"
215 lbs
Los Angeles, CA
UCLA
Jahkai Lang
EDGE
6'3"
234 lbs
Troy, MO
Missouri
William Spencer
DL
6'5"
315 lbs
New Albany, IN
Louisville
Aakil Washington
EDGE
6'3"
218 lbs
Marietta, GA
South Alabama
Keveionta Spears
DL
6'4"
297 lbs
Baton Rouge, LA
Memphis
Yamir Knight
WR
5'9"
180 lbs
Smyrna, DE
James Madison
Dylan Goffney
WR
6'1"
195 lbs
Cypress, TX
Colorado State
James Larson
TE
6'4"
235 lbs
St. Charles, IL
UConn
Outgoing
Name
Pos.
Height
Weight
Hometown
New School
Preston Stone
QB
6'2"
210 lbs
Dallas, TX
Northwestern
Jahari Rogers
CB
6'0"
180 lbs
Arlington, TX
Colorado State
Carter Campbell
WR
6'0"
196 lbs
San Antonio, TX
Northern State
Omari Abor
DL
6'4"
255 lbs
Duncanville, TX
CSU Pueblo
Tyler Aronson
QB
6'2"
200 lbs
North Palm Beach, FL
Trinity (CT)
Jamarion Carroll
WR
6'2"
195 lbs
Wichita Falls, TX
Midwestern State
Jackson Waller
P
6'3"
195 lbs
Katy, TX
Arkansas State
LJ Johnson
RB
5'10"
205 lbs
Cypress, TX
California
Reagan Gill
OT
6'6"
315 lbs
Houston, TX
McNeese
Zach Smith
LB
6'1"
200 lbs
Red Oak, TX
Western Kentucky
Qae'shon Sapp
IOL
6'5"
320 lbs
Leesburg, GA
Florida Atlantic
Jaylan Knighton
RB
5'9"
195 lbs
Deerfield Beach, FL
West Virginia
Ashton Cozart
WR
6'2.5"
182 lbs
Flower Mound, TX
Kentucky
Mike Yoan Sandijo-Nijiki
DL
6'2"
302 lbs
Keller, TX
Washington State
Sam Eccles
P
5'11"
179 lbs
Austin, TX
South Dakota Mines
A.J. Davis
CB
5'10"
177 lbs
Dallas, TX
Washington State
Eric Taylor
DL
6'4"
280 lbs
Trussville, AL
Coastal Carolina
Keldric Luster
QB
5'10"
227 lbs
Frisco, TX
Texas State
David Abiara
EDGE
6'4"
284 lbs
Mansfield, TX
Texas State
Randy Reece
WR
5'10"
190 lbs
Dallas, TX
East Texas A&M
Will Benton IV
LS
6'1"
220 lbs
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Tech
[ 1] [ 2] [ 3]
Schedule
Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance August 30 8:00 p.m. East Texas A&M * No. 16 ACCN W 42–1333,044
September 6 11:00 a.m. Baylor * No. 17 Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX The CW L 45–48 2OT 34,852
September 13 2:30 p.m. at Missouri State * CBSSN W 28–1015,027
September 20 11:00 a.m. at TCU * ESPN2 L 24–3543,333
October 4 2:30 p.m. Syracuse Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX ACCN W 31–1834,845
October 11 11:00 a.m. Stanford Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX The CW W 34–1030,654
October 18 2:30 p.m. at Clemson ACCN W 35–2478,669
October 25 11:00 a.m. at Wake Forest The CW L 12–1328,358
November 1 11:00 a.m. No. 10т Miami (FL) Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX ESPN W 26–20 OT 35,074
November 8 11:00 a.m. at Boston College ACCN W 45–1338,345
November 22 11:00 a.m. Louisville Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX ESPN2 W 38–632,713
November 29 7:00 p.m. at California No. 21 ESPN2 L 35–3828,956
, 2026 7:00 p.m. vs. No. 17 Arizona * FOX W 24–1930,602
[ 4] [ 5]
Rankings
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes Week Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Final AP 16 17 RV RV — — — — — — RV RV RV 25 RV RV RV Coaches 16 16 RV RV — — RV — RV — RV RV RV 25 RV RV RV CFP Not released — — — 21 — — Not released
SMU was ranked in preseason polling for the first time since 1985 .[ 6]
Personnel
Game summaries
East Texas A&M (FCS)
Game information
First quarter
SMU – Romello Brinson 63-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 14:07. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:53.
SMU – Alexander Kilgore 10-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 5:32. Mustangs 14–0.
Second quarter
SMU – Chris Johnson Jr. 22-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 14:12. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:01.
ETAM – Ozlo Rigby 29-yard field goal, 5:20. Mustangs 21–3. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:39.
Third quarter
SMU – Ahmaad Moses 95-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 9:32. Mustangs 28–3.
Fourth quarter
SMU – Kevin Jennings 7-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 14:12. Mustangs 35–3. Drive: 13 plays, 81 yards, 4:21.
SMU – Jalen Cooper 38-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 9:34. Mustangs 42–3. Drive: 3 plays, 47 yards, 0:44.
ETAM – Eric Rodriguez 1-yard run (Ozlo Rigby kick), 2:55. Mustangs 42–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:34.
ETAM – Ozlo Rigby 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Mustangs 42–13. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 1:54.
Statistics
ETAM
SMU
First downs
17
25
Total yards
351
400
Rushing yards
107
140
Passing yards
244
260
Turnovers
3
3
Time of possession
38:59
21:01
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
East Texas A&M
Passing
Eric Rodriguez
14/30, 191 yards, INT
Rushing
JaiSean McMillian
4 rushes, 31 yards
Receiving
Devin Matthews
4 receptions, 87 yards
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
22/30, 260 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing
Chris Johnson Jr.
6 rushes, 44 yards, TD
Receiving
Romello Brinson
7 receptions, 121 yards, TD
SMU handily defeated East Texas A&M 42–13. SMU's defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns . They allowed the Lions to enter the red zone six times during the game, but only half of those trips resulted in scores. Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for a 63-yard touchdown pass on the first drive of the game and scored two others, but he also threw an interception and lost the ball on a fumble . The team also incurred nearly 100 yards of penalties during the game.[ 7] Two starters for the team, linebacker Alex Kilgore and wide receiver Jordan Hudson, suffered injuries early in the game.[ 8]
Baylor
Baylor Bears (0–1) at No. 17 SMU Mustangs (1–0) – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas
Date : September 6Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Cloudy • Temperature : 67 °F (19 °C) • Wind : N 2 mphGame attendance : 34,852Referee : Cravonne BarrettTV announcers (The CW ) : Rick Allen , Will Blackmon , and Wes Bryant
Game information
First quarter
(14:48) SMU – Romello Brinson 75-yard pass from Kevin Jennings, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:12; SMU 7–0 )
(7:03) SMU – Collin Rogers 43-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 2:52; SMU 10–0 )
Second quarter
(12:12) BAY – Kobe Prentice 28-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson , Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 3:26; SMU 10–7 )
(7:21) SMU – T. J. Harden 3-yard run, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:51; SMU 17–7 )
(5:07) BAY – Josh Cameron 33-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson, Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:12; SMU 17–14 )
(4:49) SMU – Jalen Cooper 75-yard pass from Kevin Jennings, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:12; SMU 24–14 )
(0:37) BAY – Bryson Washington 7-yard run, Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 4:07; SMU 24–21 )
Third quarter
(5:04) BAY – Connor Hawkins 26-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:32; Tied 24–24 )
Fourth quarter
(14:24) SMU – T. J. Harden 40-yard run, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:11; SMU 31–24 )
(8:38) SMU – T. J. Harden 5-yard run, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:59; SMU 38–24 )
(5:23) BAY – Josh Cameron 48-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson, Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:09; SMU 38–31 )
(0:34) BAY – Kobe Prentice 21-yard pass from Sawyer Robertson, Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 1:49; Tied 38–38 )
Overtime
BAY – Bryson Washington 2-yard run, Connor Hawkins kick (Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:00; Baylor 45–38 )
SMU – Romello Brinson 25-yard pass from Kevin Jennings, Collin Rogers kick (Drive: 1 play, 25 yards, 0:00; Tied 45–45 )
Double overtime
BAY – Connor Hawkins 27-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 0:00; Baylor 48–45 )
Statistics
BAY
SMU
First downs
32
23
Total yards
601
458
Rushing yards
161
163
Passing yards
440
295
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
32:36
27:24
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Baylor
Passing
Sawyer Robertson
34/50, 440 yards, 4 TD
Rushing
Bryson Washington
31 carries, 115 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Josh Cameron
9 receptions, 151 yards, 2 TD
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
16/22, 295 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
T. J. Harden
19 carries, 115 yards, 3 TD
Receiving
Romello Brinson
4 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
Baylor, a former rival from both teams' time in the now-defunct Southwest Conference , narrowly upset SMU 48–45 in double overtime . SMU has not defeated Baylor since 1986, losing the last 14 matchups between the teams.[ 9]
Both teams had impressive showings on offense. Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for three touchdowns during the game, including two 75-yard touchdown passes in the first half, but Baylor made up this deficit, tying the game in the third quarter. Running back TJ Harden then scored two touchdowns to put the team up by 14 points with only 5 minutes to go, but the team's defense allowed Baylor to tie the game very quickly. Kicker Collin Rogers then missed a walk-off field goal after having missed another earlier, sending the game to overtime.[ 9]
Both teams scored quickly in the first overtime period, sending the game to a second overtime. SMU's offense failed to score a touchdown, and Rogers missed another field goal leading into Baylor's possession, which allowed them to win the game with a walk-off field goal of their own.[ 9]
The loss to Baylor put a significant damper on the team's hopes of making the College Football Playoff for a second year in a row, but some have compared it to their loss to BYU early in the previous season.[ 10] Following the game, SMU reopened its kicking competition in response to Rogers' missed field goals.[ 11]
at Missouri State
SMU Mustangs (1–1) at Missouri State Bears (1–1) – Game summary
at Robert W. Plaster Stadium • Springfield, Missouri
Date : September 13Game time : 2:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny • Temperature : 91 °F (33 °C) • Wind : W 7 mphGame attendance : 15,027Referee : Nolan DumasTV announcers (CBSSN ) : Jack Gordon (play-by-play), Taylor McHargue (analyst) and Brandon Marcello (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
MOST – Yousef Obeid 38-yard field goal, 10:21. Bears 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:25.
MOST – Dash Luke 9-yard pass from Jacob Clark (Yousef Obeid kick), 2:59. Bears 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:58.
Second quarter
SMU – Dramecko Green 6-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 3:42. Bears 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 3:54.
SMU – T. J. Harden 5-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 0:33. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:19.
Third quarter
SMU – T. J. Harden 37-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 3:03. Mustangs 21–10. Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 1:18.
Fourth quarter
SMU – RJ Maryland 7-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 12:58. Mustangs 28–10. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:02.
Statistics
SMU
MOST
First downs
24
19
Total yards
448
328
Rushing yards
167
53
Passing yards
281
275
Turnovers
2
3
Time of possession
28:30
31:30
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
24/36, 281 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
T. J. Harden
15 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Jalen Cooper
5 receptions, 68 yards
Missouri State
Passing
Jacob Clark
23/37, 275 yards, TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Shomari Lawrence
13 rushes, 44 yards
Receiving
Dash Luke
5 receptions, 80 yards, TD
at TCU
SMU Mustangs (2–1) at TCU Horned Frogs (2–0) – Game summary
at Amon G. Carter Stadium • Fort Worth, Texas
Date : September 20Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny, 86 degreesGame attendance : 43,333Referee : Jerry MagallanesTV announcers (ESPN2 ) : Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics
SMU
TCU
First downs
19
24
Total yards
384
517
Rushing yards
94
138
Passing yards
290
379
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
28:54
31:06
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
24/38, 290 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
T. J. Harden
15 carries, 56 yards
Receiving
Yamir Knight
5 receptions, 69 yards, TD
TCU
Passing
Josh Hoover
22/40, 379 yards, 5 TD, INT
Rushing
Trent Battle
7 carries, 60 yards
Receiving
Eric McAlister
8 receptions, 254 yards, 3 TD
This game was the final meeting of the "Battle for the Iron Skillet" rivalry between SMU and TCU for the foreseeable future. At the start of the 2023 season , TCU announced it was not renewing its contract with SMU to play the game after more than 100 years of near-continuous play, preferring to schedule more non-conference games against teams in power conferences .[ a] [ 12]
Syracuse
Syracuse Orange (3–2) at SMU Mustangs (2–2) – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas
Date : October 4Game time : 2:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny, 89 degreesGame attendance : 34,845Referee : Mike RocheTV announcers (ACCN) : Wes Durham (play-by-play), Steve Addazio (analyst) and Dana Boyle (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics
SYR
SMU
First downs
18
21
Total yards
389
371
Rushing yards
110
77
Passing yards
279
294
Turnovers
3
1
Time of possession
31:25
28:35
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Syracuse
Passing
Rickie Collins
22/45, 279 yards, TD, 3 INT
Rushing
Rickie Collins
10 rushes, 57 yards, TD
Receiving
Johntay Cook II
7 receptions, 82 yards, TD
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
29/35, 285 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing
T. J. Harden
16 rushes, 67 yards
Receiving
Romello Brinson
7 receptions, 71 yards
Stanford
Stanford Cardinal (2–3) at SMU Mustangs (3–2) – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas
Date : October 11Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Sunny, 78 degreesGame attendance : 30,654Referee : Nate BlackTV announcers (The CW) : Thom Brennaman (play-by-play), Will Blackmon (analyst) and Wes Bryant (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics
STAN
SMU
First downs
23
17
Total yards
353
369
Rushing yards
75
122
Passing yards
278
247
Turnovers
2
0
Time of possession
36:30
23:30
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Stanford
Passing
Ben Gulbranson
22/40, 278 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Cole Tabb
9 rushes, 62 yards
Receiving
CJ Williams
7 receptions, 109 yards, TD
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
22/30, 247 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
Chris Johnson Jr.
5 rushes, 96 yards, TD
Receiving
Jordan Hudson
5 receptions, 87 yards
at Clemson
SMU Mustangs (4–2) at Clemson Tigers (3–3) – Game summary
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, South Carolina
Date : October 18Game time : 2:30 p.m. CDTGame weather : Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SW @ 8 mph • Weather: SunnyGame attendance : 78,669Referee : Mike RocheTV announcers (ACCN) : Wes Durham (play-by-play), Steve Addazio (color) and Dana Boyle (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
(03:52) SMU – Jordan Hudson 70 yard pass from Kevin Jennings , Sam Keltner kick (Drive: 1 play, 70 yards, 0:09; SMU 7–0 )
Second quarter
(11:26) SMU – Keltner 51 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 33 yards, 3:38; SMU 10–0 )
(08:51) CLEM – T. J. Moore 32 yard pass from Christopher Vizzina , Nolan Hauser kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:35; SMU 10–7 )
(04:29) SMU – Keltner 48 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 4:22; SMU 13–7 )
(01:09) SMU – Keltner 48 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 33 yards, 1:44; SMU 16–7 )
Third quarter
(08:48) CLEM – Moore 62 yard pass from Vizzina, Hauser kick (Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:23; SMU 16–14 )
(07:29) SMU – Derrick McFall 35 yard rush, Keltner kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:19; SMU 23–14 )
(00:07) CLEM – Hauser 28 yard field goal (Drive: 17 plays, 65 yards, 7:21; SMU 23–17 )
Fourth quarter
(12:30) SMU – Matthew Hibner 22 yard pass from Kevin Jennings, Keltner kick missed (Drive: 6 play, 75 yards, 2:37; SMU 29–17 )
(06:44) CLEM – Tristan Smith 23 yard pass from Vizzina, Hauser kick (Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:27; SMU 29–24 )
(01:03) SMU – Chris Johnson Jr. 6 yard rush, 2 point conversion failed (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:41; SMU 35–24 )
Statistics
SMU
CLEM
First downs
21
20
Total yards
429
352
Rushing yards
139
35
Passing yards
290
317
Turnovers
1
1
Time of possession
28:45
31:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
23/43, 290 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing
Chris Johnson Jr.
6 carries, 59 yards, TD
Receiving
Jordan Hudson
7 receptions, 131 yards, TD
Clemson
Passing
Christopher Vizzina
29/42, 317 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Adam Randall
10 carries, 29 yards
Receiving
T. J. Moore
5 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD
SMU defeated Clemson 35–24 in a rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game . Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik did not play due to an ankle injury, with backup Christopher Vizzina taking his place for his first career start.[ 13]
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings reaggravated his own ankle injury during the first drive, but he did not exit the game.[ 14] SMU scored first, with Jennings making a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Hudson late in the first quarter. Vizzina lost a fumble on Clemson's second possession but later threw for a touchdown in the second quarter. Kicker Sam Keltner then made three long field goals to give SMU a 16–7 lead at halftime. Both teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, with Clemson also scoring a field goal to shrink SMU's lead to one score. Both teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter until SMU scored a second touchdown with one minute left to pad their lead to two scores, leading to their 35–24 victory.[ 13]
Many compared the game's environment, which took place at Clemson's stadium , nicknamed "Death Valley ," to the previous season's ACC Championship game as well as SMU's game against Penn State in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff . All three took place in hostile road environments with large crowds. SMU had been characterized as unprepared for the two 2024 games, especially their blowout loss to Penn State,[ 15] they maintained much stronger composure against Clemson, winning by two scores.[ 14] [ 16] SMU's defensive line also performed much better than earlier in the season, forcing three three-and-outs on Clemson's first four drives and a turnover on downs in the second quarter. Kicker Sam Keltner also showed improvement, making three long field goal attempts after having only made one out of four long attempts since taking over as starter.[ 16]
at Wake Forest
SMU Mustangs (5–2) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4–2) – Game summary
at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium • Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Date : October 25Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Temperature: 58 °F (14 °C) • Wind: NE @ 4 mph • Weather: SunnyGame attendance : 28,358Referee : Justin ElliottTV announcers (The CW) : Thom Brennaman (play-by-play), Will Blackmon (analyst), and Wes Bryant (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
(4:59) WAKE – Connor Calvert 25 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 3:12; Wake Forest 3–0 )
Second quarter
(11:53) SMU – Sam Keltner 36 yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 4:51; Tied 3–3 )
(10:09) WAKE – Eni Falayi 12 yard pass from Robby Ashford, Connor Calvert kick (Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:41; Wake Forest 10–3 )
(3:53) SMU – Sam Keltner 35 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:49; Wake Forest 10–6 )
Third quarter
(2:58) SMU – Shaadie Clayton-Johnson 6 yard run, Sam Keltner PAT blocked (Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:54; SMU 12–10 )
Fourth quarter
(0:00) WAKE – Connor Calvert 50 yard field goal (Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:12; Wake Forest 13–12 )
Statistics
SMU
WAKE
First downs
8
17
Total yards
246
301
Rushing yards
75
85
Passing yards
171
216
Turnovers
3
5
Time of possession
27:38
32:22
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
21/39, 171 yards, INT
Rushing
Chris Johnson Jr.
8 carries, 29 yards
Receiving
RJ Maryland
2 receptions, 51 yards
Wake Forest
Passing
Deshawn Purdie
14/26, 183 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Demond Claiborne
23 carries, 73 yards
Receiving
Chris Barnes
5 receptions, 66 yards
No. 10т Miami (FL)
No. 10т Miami Hurricanes (6–1) at SMU Mustangs (5–3) – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas
Date : November 1Game time : 11:00 a.m. CDTGame weather : Cloudy, 59 °F (15 °C)Game attendance : 35,074Referee : Jerry MagallanesTV announcers (ESPN) : Mark Jones (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst), and Quint Kessenich (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
MIA – Joshisa Trader 36-yard pass from Carson Beck (Carter Davis kick), 4:16. Hurricanes 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:27.
Second quarter
SMU – Yamir Knight 28-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 9:22. Tied 7–7. Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:06.
MIA – Carter Davis 22-yard field goal, 0:07. Hurricanes 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:42.
Third quarter
SMU – Kevin Jennings 3-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 12:11. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 2:43.
MIA – Alex Bauman 4-yard pass from Carson Beck (Carter Davis kick), 9:06. Hurricanes 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:59.
SMU – Sam Keltner 43-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 17–17. Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 3:56.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Carter Davis 45-yard field goal, 9:34. Hurricanes 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 5:33.
SMU – Sam Keltner 38-yard field goal, 0:25. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 1:44.
Overtime
SMU – T. J. Harden 1-yard run. Mustangs 26–20. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards.
Statistics
MIA
SMU
First downs
23
20
Total yards
433
388
Rushing yards
159
23
Passing yards
274
365
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
37:42
22:18
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Miami (FL)
Passing
Carson Beck
26/38, 274 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Mark Fletcher Jr.
16 rushes, 84 yards
Receiving
Joshisa Trader
5 receptions, 81 yards, TD
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
29/44, 365 yards, TD
Rushing
T. J. Harden
8 rushes, 27 yards, TD
Receiving
Jordan Hudson
11 receptions, 136 yards
SMU fans storming the field after beating Miami in overtime.
SMU defeated Miami 26–20 in overtime in the Mustangs' first home win against an AP top 10 opponent since 1974 .[ 17]
Miami largely controlled the game during the first half, outgaining SMU by over 100 yards in that timespan. Despite this, they only scored 10 points during the first half.[ 18] SMU's longest drive of the first half ended on a fumbled handoff from Kevin Jennings to tight end R. J. Maryland on a fourth down conversion attempt.[ 19] Penalties stymied several of Miami's drives, with another ending after Joshisa Trader bobbled a pass, allowing SMU's Ahmaad Moses to intercept it. SMU tied the game 7–7 with a touchdown on the following play. Both teams then held each other to a stalemate for the rest of the first half until Miami's Malachi Toney returned a punt to within the 10-yard line. Despite this favorable field position, however, SMU's defense held Miami to only a field goal, sending the game to halftime with Miami up 10–7.[ 18]
SMU opened the second half with a fumble by Kevin Jennings that was later ruled an incomplete pass . Retaining possession, Jennings led SMU's offense on a 79-yard drive down the field, scoring the touchdown himself on a 3-yard run.[ 19] Miami quarterback Carson Beck then led his team on their own 75-yard touchdown drive to retake the lead 17–14.[ 18] Later in the third quarter, a tackle reaggravated an ankle injury Jennings had been dealing with all season, forcing backup Ty Hawkins to take his place for two plays. Jennings then returned, with the drive ending in a game-tying field goal to start the fourth quarter.[ 19] Miami retook the lead early in the fourth quarter with another field goal, taking a 20–17 lead.[ 18] SMU was forced to try for another field goal on the following drive after a holding call and a failed trick play. Sam Keltner's kick missed, flying over the right upright of the goalpost, which caused controversy among fans in attendance who believed that constituted a successful score.[ 20] SMU faced fourth-and-9 on their final offensive drive, but Miami head coach Mario Cristobal called for a timeout just before play began to evaluate SMU's formation. Not hearing the whistle, Miami defensive end Marquise Lightfoot ran into Jennings, drawing a 15-yard penalty that revitalized SMU's drive, allowing Sam Keltner to tie the game 20–20 with another field goal to send the game into overtime.[ 17]
SMU won the coin toss and went on defense first in overtime. Miami drove very close to the goal line, but Ahmaad Moses intercepted the ball to end Miami's possession, giving SMU a substantial advantage heading into their own. After having had their runners stymied all game, SMU exclusively ran the ball during their possession, inching closer to the end zone each time until T. J. Harden scored the game-winning touchdown.[ 19] SMU fans stormed the field after the 26–20 victory, tearing down one goal post and dumping it in the fountain in front of Dallas Hall .[ 21]
at Boston College
SMU Mustangs (6–3) at Boston College Eagles (1–8) – Game summary
at Alumni Stadium • Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Date : November 8Game time : 11:00 a.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 56 °F (13 °C)Game attendance : 38,345Referee : Mike RocheTV announcers (ACCN) : Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Kendra Douglas (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
SMU – Derrick McFall 1-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 8:56. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 2:05.
SMU – Sam Keltner 20-yard field goal, 6:35. Mustangs 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 1:07.
Second quarter
SMU – Jordan Hudson 25-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 3:01. Mustangs 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:20.
BC – Luca Lombardo 31-yard field goal, 1:11. Mustangs 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:50.
BC – Luca Lombardo 36-yard field goal, 0:04. Mustangs 17–6. Drive: 2 plays, 19 yards, 0:11.
Third quarter
SMU – Yamir Knight 61-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 10:02. Mustangs 24–6. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:33.
SMU – Matthew Hibner 37-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 4:46. Mustangs 31–6. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 4:08.
Fourth quarter
SMU – Derrick McFall 6-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 13:25. Mustangs 38–6. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:32.
BC – Jordan McDonald 5-yard pass from Dylan Lonergan (Luca Lombardo kick), 8:59. Mustangs 38–13. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 4:22.
SMU – Derrick McFall 48-yard run (Stone Eby kick), 6:38. Mustangs 45–13. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:21.
Statistics
SMU
BC
First downs
22
25
Total yards
574
390
Rushing yards
222
106
Passing yards
352
284
Turnovers
1
4
Time of possession
27:02
32:58
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
16/32, 326 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
T. J. Harden
16 rushes, 130 yards
Receiving
Yamir Knight
7 receptions, 162 yards, TD
Boston College
Passing
Dylan Lonergan
25/37, 232 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Turbo Richard
15 rushes, 49 yards
Receiving
Lewis Bond
9 receptions, 74 yards
SMU routed Boston College 45–13. SMU's defense played its best game of the season yet, not allowing a touchdown until the fourth quarter, forcing four takeaways and three turnovers on downs. SMU's defense already led the FBS in turnovers forced prior to the game. Safety Ahmaad Moses, already leading the FBS with five interceptions, recovered two fumbles during the game.[ 22] By the fourth quarter, SMU had subbed out most of its starters, including kicker Sam Keltner, the only kicker on the team's roster, as Collin Rogers left the team after losing his starting position. Tight end Stone Eby stepped in as backup kicker, kicking the final extra point of the game barefoot.[ 23]
Louisville
Louisville Cardinals (7–3) at SMU Mustangs (7–3) – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium • University Park, Texas
Date : November 22Game time : 11:00 a.m. CSTGame weather : Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C)Game attendance : 32,713Referee : Jerry MagallanesTV announcers (ESPN2) : Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
SMU – Kevin Jennings 2-yard run (Sam Keltner kick), 10:40. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:20.
LOU – Cooper Ranvier 36-yard field goal, 4:15. Mustangs 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:25.
Second quarter
SMU – Jordan Hudson 7-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 8:53. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:19.
SMU – T. J. Harden 5-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 3:25. Mustangs 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:29.
LOU – Cooper Ranvier 29-yard field goal, 1:44. Mustangs 21–6. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 1:41.
Third quarter
SMU – Sam Keltner 49-yard field goal, 0:48. Mustangs 24–6. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 4:52.
Fourth quarter
SMU – Yamir Knight 6-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Sam Keltner kick), 9:38. Mustangs 31–6. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:13.
SMU – Shaadie Clayton-Johnson 50-yard run (Stone Eby kick), 6:03. Mustangs 38–6. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:08.
Statistics
LOU
SMU
First downs
12
28
Total yards
228
485
Rushing yards
128
178
Passing yards
100
307
Turnovers
1
0
Time of possession
24:04
35:56
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisville
Passing
Deuce Adams
12/17, 94 yards
Rushing
Shaun Boykins
8 rushes, 52 yards
Receiving
Chris Bell
5 receptions, 46 yards
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
29/37, 303 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
T. J. Harden
18 rushes, 90 yards
Receiving
Jordan Hudson
8 receptions, 96 yards, TD
SMU routed Louisville 38–6, preventing them from scoring a single touchdown. Kevin Jennings threw three touchdowns and scored a fourth one rushing while SMU's defense held Louisville to two field goals in the first half, shutting them out in the second half. Starting Louisville quarterback Miller Moss did not play due to an injury sustained earlier in the week, and they were missing two starting running backs, with a starting receiver going out due to injury during the third quarter.[ 24] Pittsburgh 's victory over Georgia Tech later that day allowed SMU to regain control of their path to the ACC Championship game, with a victory over California as all they need to qualify.[ 25]
at California
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics
SMU
CAL
First downs
23
27
Total yards
477
452
Rushing yards
227
122
Passing yards
250
330
Turnovers
1
0
Time of possession
23:04
36:56
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
SMU
Passing
Kevin Jennings
24/36, 250 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing
Chris Johnson Jr.
10 rushes, 128 yards, TD
Receiving
Matthew Hibner
5 receptions, 87 yards, TD
California
Passing
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
31/40, 330 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Kendrick Raphael
33 rushes, 111 yards, TD
Receiving
Jacob de Jesus
12 receptions, 97 yards, TD
vs. No. 17 Arizona (2026 Holiday Bowl)
2026 Trust & Will Holiday Bowl No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9–3) vs SMU Mustangs (8–4) – Game summary
at Snapdragon Stadium • San Diego, CA
Date : Game time : 7:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Partly cloudy • Temperature : 65 °F (18 °C) • Wind : S at 10 mph (16 km/h)Game attendance : 30,602Referee : Steve Marlowe (SEC)TV announcers (FOX ) : Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and Jenny Taft (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics
ARIZ
SMU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Arizona
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SMU
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Notes
References
^ "SMU Football Transfer Portal" . On3.com . Retrieved December 22, 2024 .
^ "SMU QB Preston Stone transfers to Northwestern" . ESPN . Retrieved December 22, 2024 .
^ "SMU 2025 Transfer Portal" . 247Sports.com . Retrieved May 8, 2025 .
^ "2025 Football Schedule" . SMU Mustangs Athletics . Retrieved December 22, 2024 .
^ "2025 SMU Football Schedule" . FBSchedules.com . Retrieved December 23, 2024 .
^ Helwick, Steve (August 11, 2025). "SMU ranked in preseason AP Poll for first time since 1985" . Underdog Dynasty . Retrieved August 11, 2025 .
^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (August 31, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU's win vs. East Texas A&M: Mustangs leave opener with some concerns" . Dallas News . Retrieved September 2, 2025 .
^ "Two starters hurt early for No. 16 SMU, a receiver on 1st play and a linebacker on strange pick-6" . AP News . August 31, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025 .
^ a b c Lia, Assimakopoulos (September 6, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU-Baylor: Mustangs fall to Bears in thrilling renewal of SWC rivalry" . Dallas News . Retrieved September 11, 2025 .
^ Lia, Assimakopoulos (September 7, 2025). "After loss to unranked Baylor, are SMU's College Football Playoff hopes still alive?" . Dallas News . Retrieved September 11, 2025 .
^ Lia, Assimakopoulos (September 9, 2025). "SMU to revisit kicker competition after Collin Rogers' missed field goals vs. Baylor" . Dallas News . Retrieved September 11, 2025 .
^ Engel, Mac (August 28, 2025). "SMU great calls out TCU for ending Iron Skillet: Frogs must 'drop their pride' " . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Retrieved August 28, 2025 .
^ a b Shanesy, Todd; Carter, Derrian. "Clemson football vs SMU highlights, Tigers fall in Christopher Vizzina's first start" . The Greenville News . Retrieved October 24, 2025 .
^ a b Assimakopoulos, Lia (October 19, 2025). " 'Our quarterback is a stud': Kevin Jennings rises to the occasion, leads SMU past Clemson" . Dallas News . Retrieved October 24, 2025 .
^ Williams, Justin; Vannini, Chris; Snyder, Audrey (December 22, 2024). "How Penn State dashed SMU's Cinderella dreams with ease: Takeaways from a Playoff rout" . The New York Times . ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved October 24, 2025 .
^ a b Lia, Assimakopoulos (October 18, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU-Clemson: Mustangs avenge ACC title loss, beat Tigers in Death Valley" . Dallas News . Retrieved October 24, 2025 .
^ a b Adelson, Andrea (November 1, 2025). "Cristobal rues mistakes as Miami's CFP hopes dim" . ESPN.com . Retrieved November 2, 2025 .
^ a b c d McPherson, Jordan (November 2, 2025). "No. 10 Hurricanes fall in overtime to SMU, and their season goals are in jeopardy" . Miami Herald . Retrieved November 2, 2025 .
^ a b c d Assimakopoulos, Lia (November 1, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU-Miami: Mustangs pull off improbable win, keep ACC title hopes alive" . Dallas News . Retrieved November 2, 2025 .
^ Mendoza, Jordan. "SMU field goal controversy: Mustangs' kick vs. Miami ruled no good after going over post" . USA TODAY . Retrieved November 2, 2025 .
^ McVeigh, Griffin (November 1, 2025). "SMU President sends message to fans after field storming for beating Miami" . On3 . Retrieved November 2, 2025 .
^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (November 8, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU-Boston College: Mustangs' explosive offense keeps ACC hopes alive" . Dallas News . Retrieved November 11, 2025 .
^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (November 8, 2025). "Watch: SMU tight end Stone Eby kicks extra point barefoot in win over Boston College" . Dallas News . Retrieved November 11, 2025 .
^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (November 22, 2025). "5 thoughts from SMU-Louisville: Mustangs keep ACC hopes alive with complete performance" . Dallas News . Retrieved November 28, 2025 .
^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (November 23, 2025). "ACC chaos: Breaking down all of SMU's championship scenarios before regular-season finale" . Dallas News . Retrieved November 28, 2025 .
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