Welcome to the reinvigorated Pony Express.
The climb back up the mountain took roughly four decades, but the SMU Mustangs sent a message to the college football universe in 2024 that they’re a force to be reckoned with. After clearing their conference schedule and winning a championship in their final year in the American Conference, nothing changed as the Mustangs shifted to the less geographically-convenient ACC.
SMU once again finished 8-0 in conference play, falling a field goal short of capturing
the conference crown in a hard-fought battle with Clemson. Still, the Mustangs were rewarded for their regular season prowess with the final at-large bid in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Mustangs dropped a 38-10 decision at Penn State, plagued by turnovers in a hostile environment. However, the end result was an AP Poll ranking of No. 12 — the program’s highest finish since 1984.
Now the Mustangs start with No. 16 beside their name, marking their first preseason ranking in 40 years. That shows how lofty the expectations have become under Rhett Lashlee and Co., as SMU embarks on a journey back to the CFP.
Staff
Retention is the theme of SMU’s 2025 coaching staff. Rhett Lashlee returns for his fourth year as head coach after producing back-to-back 11-3 records. And he’ll be wasting no time bringing new coordinators on board, as fourth-year staff members Casey Woods and Scott Symons are back to lead the offense and defense, respectively.
Woods headlined an 8th-ranked scoring offense that exhibited great balance, producing top 55 finishes in passing and rushing alike. Symons’ defense ranked 32nd in points allowed per game, specializing in backfield pressure and turnover creation.
Special teams coordinator Kyle Cooper, who doubles as a running backs coach, enters his third year on staff. Other incumbent position coaches include associate head coaches and co-offensive coordinators Rob Likens (who focuses on receivers) and Garin Justice (who focuses on the offensive line). Quarterbacks coach D’Eriq King, cornerbacks coach Rickey Hunley Jr., linebackers coach Maurice Crum Jr., defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux, and edge rushers coach Sam Dunnam all remain on The Hilltop, and not a single position coach left Dallas this offseason.
Offense
| Statistic | Total | ACC Rank (of 17) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 36.5 | 2 | 8 |
| Total Offense | 429.5 | 5 | 27 |
| Passing Yards Avg. | 261.9 | 6 | 31 |
| Completion % | 63.8 | 5 | 40 |
| Rush Yards Avg. | 167.6 | 7 | 55 |
| Sacks Allowed Avg. | 1.29 | 4 | t-24 |
| Turnovers | 24 | 17 | t-126 |
- Key arrivals: QB Tyler Van Dyke, RB T.J. Harden, RB Chris Johnson Jr., WR Yamir Knight, WR Dylan Goffney, C Joshua Bates, G Addison Nichols
- Key departures: QB Preston Stone, RB Brashard Smith, RB LJ Johnson Jr., WR Roderick Daniels Jr., WR Key’Shawn Smith, WR Moochie Dixon, WR Jake Bailey, C Jakai Clark, G Justin Osborne
- Key incumbents: QB Kevin Jennings, RB Derrick McFall, WR Jordan Hudson, WR Romello Brinson, TE RJ Maryland, TE Matthew Hibner, G Logan Parr, OT PJ Williams, OT Savion Byrd
Nobody can question SMU’s ability to pile on the points. The Mustangs are on a 6-year run of producing FBS top 15 scoring offenses, landing at No. 8 in two-straight seasons. Rhett Lashlee has been present for a good chunk of that run, serving the first year of that streak as offensive coordinator and the last three as head coach.
That being said, the Mustangs haven’t faced too many obstacles in reloading their offense over the years. They’re already starting ahead in 2025 by returning an All-ACC quarterback in Kevin Jennings who led the journey to the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff. Jennings didn’t even earn the starting role until the fourth game of 2024, splitting time with Preston Stone in the first three weeks. But Jennings left zero doubt regarding Lashlee’s decision to make him starter, firing for 3,245 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on a 65.0 completion rate. The quarterback is equipped with applaudable mobility too, rushing for 354 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.
There won’t be a three-week in-season quarterback battle this year, but Lashlee brought in a seasoned backup in case the Mustangs need one. The coach used his Miami (FL) roots to reunite with former Hurricanes (and Wisconsin) starter Tyler Van Dyke — one of the most established No. 2 quarterbacks in the FBS.
Jennings will see a new starting backfield mate, as the Mustangs’ top two running backs — First Team All-ACC selection Brashard Smith and LJ Johnson Jr. — are elsewhere for 2025. Derrick McFall is the next incumbent tailback in line after a 106-yard, 2-touchdown true freshman campaign while retaining his redshirt. The Mustangs also dipped their hand in the portal here, acquiring UCLA’s former No. 1 back T.J. Harden (1,658 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns since 2022) and yet another Miami (FL) transfer in Chris Johnson Jr.
Last year was an exception due to Smith’s dominance, but SMU is typically no stranger to distributing the wealth under Lashlee. The same goes for the wide receivers. The Mustangs enjoyed elite passing production over the past two years, yet they didn’t produce a 700-yard receiver over that timespan.
Jordan Hudson (425 yards in 2023, 422 yards in 2024) and Romello Brinson (431 yards in 2023, 135 yards in 2024) are the two veterans in the room, but plenty of talent should arise alongside the two seniors. James Madison’s receptions leader Yamir Knight is a welcome addition after producing 53 receptions and 605 yards in 2024, while Dylan Goffney completes the boomerang transfer back to SMU after spending two years at Colorado State. This is one position group that should see true freshmen production as the Mustangs landed 4-stars Jalen Cooper and Daylon Singleton in the program’s best recruiting class to date.
A bulk of the receiving production should belong to the tight ends as SMU presents arguably the best one-two punch at the position in the country. The Mustangs are one of four colleges to produce two Mackey Award watchlist candidates, returning star RJ Maryland, who suffered a midseason ACL tear, and Matthew Hibner, who starred in Maryland’s absence. Maryland proved his status as a matchup nightmare during his brief 2024 season, leading SMU to victory behind an 8-catch, 162-yard Week 0 performance at Nevada. Meanwhile, Hibner recorded a touchdown in four of his last six contests, recording 298 yards over that timespan.
When moving from the American Conference to the ACC, outsiders questioned how SMU’s offensive line talent would fare in its new league. The answer was demonstrated through the Mustangs’ three All-ACC selections. Two of them return, as starting left guard Logan Parr and right tackle PJ Williams are back to spearhead the group. SMU also retains its left tackle in Savion Byrd, keeping 60 percent of the line in tact. Transfers are likely candidates to fill the two interior vacancies. Former 4-star recruit Joshua Bates started two games as a freshman at Oklahoma last year, while guard Addison Nichols arrives after operating in a full-time starting role at Arkansas. And to continue the theme, the position group features a veteran Miami (FL) transfer in Zion Nelson, who held a starting left tackle role in 2021 for the Hurricanes.
Defense
| Statistic | Total | ACC Rank (of 17) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed Per Game | 22.1 | 1 | 32 |
| Total Defense | 326.0 | 1 | 26 |
| Passing Yards Allowed Avg. | 225.8 | 7 | 79 |
| Opponent Completion % | 56.3 | 2 | 17 |
| Rush Yards Avg. Allowed | 100.2 | 1 | 7 |
| Sacks Per Game | 3.07 | 4 | 10 |
| Takeaways | 22 | t-5 | t-27 |
- Key arrivals: DE Jahkai Lang, DE Aakil Washington, DT Jeffrey M’ba, DT Terry Webb, OLB Zakye Barker, CB Marcellus Barnes Jr.
- Key departures: DE Elijah Roberts, DE Jahfari Harvey, DT Jared Harrison-Hunte, DT Anthony Booker Jr., DT Kori Roberson Jr., ILB Kobe Wilson, OLB Ahmad Walker CB Brandon Crossley, SS Jonathan McGill, SS Cale Sanders
- Key incumbents: DE Isaiah Smith, DE Cam Robertson, ILB Alex Kilgore, CB Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, CB Deuce Harmon, FS Ahmaad Moses, SS Isaiah Nwokobia
The difference between SMU’s 2019-22 phase of being ‘good’ and SMU’s 2023-24 phase of being ‘great’ is defense. Shortly after Rhett Lashlee hired Scott Symons as defensive coordinator, the Mustangs took a significant leap on a side of the ball which struggled for nearly a decade.
SMU fielded one of the nation’s most relentless defenses each of the past two seasons, finishing 7th in stopping the run and 26th in total defense with a knack for creating frequent sacks and turnovers. The Mustangs lose a wealth of talent from the 2024 squad, including two All-ACC selections (Jared Harrison-Hunte and Kobe Wilson) as well as the dominant defensive end duo of Elijah Roberts and Jahfari Harvey.
Fortunately for the Mustangs, they rotated bodies on a regular basis on gamedays, keeping fresh legs and building significant depth behind their starters. Due to the nature of their substitutions, despite losing nine primary starters, the Mustangs still wield impressive experience among their incumbents.
SMU trotted out one of the nation’s most potent defensive lines in 2024, but the entire starting batch resides on NFL rosters. The Mustangs ranked top 10 nationally in sacks, yet they still return defensive ends Isaiah Smith (6.5 sacks) and Cam Robertson (4.0 sacks), maintaining a decent portion of the pass rush while adding South Alabama starter Aakil Washington, along with Missouri transfer Jahkai Lang and Baylor transfer Trey Wilson.
They reloaded the defensive tackle room primarily through the portal, bringing in starting level talent in Jeffrey M’ba (Purdue) and Terry Webb (Texas State), who combined for 56 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss in 2024. Other transfers with substantial experience include Damarjhe Lewis (Purdue) and Keveion’ta Spears (Memphis), so there should be no shortage of fresh legs. Jonathan Jefferson, a frequented reserve that logged one start last year, also returns to the room and should see an expanded role.
The linebacking corps loses 117 and 92 tackles of production from Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker, respectively, but Alex Kilgore is a veteran inside backer keeping continuity within the unit. Kilgore ranked sixth on the roster with 56 tackles and also contributed in the coverage department with three deflections. SMU isn’t too heavy on incumbent linebacker experience behind Kilgore, but the Mustangs addressed vacancies in the portal with the addition of Zakye Barker. Barker earned Second Team All-AAC honors at East Carolina with 86 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, fitting perfectly in a defense that thrives on pressure plays behind the line of scrimmage.
No position group retains more talent than the secondary which brings back two primary starters from the CFP team, as well as some part-time starters and key reserves. Headlining the unit is First Team All-ACC selection Isaiah Nwokobia. The strong safety remains the heart and soul of the defense in his fifth year with the program. Nwokobia did it all for the Mustangs, raking in 100 tackles and three interceptions as one of the team’s best open-field tacklers and coverage specialists.
The other returning starter is cornerback Deuce Harmon who registered nine starts in 2024, and the cornerback that supplied those other five starts — Jaelyn Davis-Robinson — is back as well. A combined 53 tackles were recorded between the likely 2025 starting duo, and Harmon made his presence felt on receivers with eight pass breakups. Also occupying the secondary is free safety Ahmaad Moses, an All-ACC honorable mention despite seeing just four starts. Moses was still a fixture in the rotation with 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, and six deflections.
The defensive back rotation should see increased reps from incumbent backups such as Kyron Chambers and Abdul Muhammad. It’s not a group highly comprised of transfers, but cornerback Marcellus Barnes found a new ACC home in Dallas after logging two starts at Syracuse last fall.
Special Teams
| Statistic | Total | ACC Rank (of 17) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 24 | 2 | t-5 |
| Field Goal % | 72.7 | t-11 | t-75 |
| Extra Point % | 100.0 | t-1 | t-1 |
| Punting Avg. | 43.3 | 6 | 43 |
| Kickoff Return Avg. | 20.7 | 8 | 54 |
| Punt Return Avg. | 9.1 | 8 | 50 |
- Key arrivals: P Ryan Collins, KR Chris Johnson Jr., PR Yamir Knight
- Key departures: P Isaac Pearson, KR Brashard Smith, PR Roderick Daniels Jr.
- Key incumbents: K Collin Rogers
SMU was on the right side and wrong side of special teams heroics in 2024. The good prevailed when Jahfari Harvey scaled an entire offensive line to block Duke’s game-winning field goal to force overtime. The bad showed up in the ACC Championship Game when Clemson returned a kickoff 41 yards and sunk a 56-yard field goal — all in a 16-second span. Those were two pivotal moments in the Mustangs’ season, and if the latter went in their favor, SMU secures a bye week in the CFP. Thus, this element of the ballgame cannot be understated as the team moves into 2025.
Placekicker Collin Rogers returns after an All-ACC honorable mention season. While a 72.7 percent field goal rate can be improved upon, Rogers wasn’t afraid to take risks. He attempted 11 field goals of 50 yards or greater, tying for the FBS-lead with seven makes from such range. He nailed everything between 30-39 and hit 8-of-11 from 40-49, proving reliability within more manageable distance.
SMU replaces its punter Isaac Pearson after he collected 43.3 yards per attempt last fall. Two punters are currently rostered — Australian redshirt freshman Wade McSparron and Cal Poly transfer Ryan Collins. Collins averaged 42.9 yards per punt in the FCS last year and is the more veteran option to replace Pearson on special teams.
The return game will also feature new contributors after the departures of kick returner Brashard Smith and punt returner Roderick Daniels Jr. A leading candidate to replace Smith (who arrived in 2024 from Miami (FL)) on kickoffs is fellow Miami (FL) transfer Chris Johnson Jr. Johnson handled 19 kickoffs for 464 yards for the Hurricanes last year, producing a long of 40. Dylan Goffney could also play a role here, returning two kicks for SMU in 2022 and nine for Colorado State in 2023.
Wide receiver Jaxson Lavender is the only returning Mustang to have handled a punt in 2024. However, SMU brought in a veteran in Yamir Knight, who tied for 17th nationally in most punt returns. The James Madison transfer ranked fourth in the Sun Belt with 173 yards, and he’ll look to extend SMU’s streak of seasons with a punt return touchdown to three.
Outlook
SMU was one of three ACC newcomers in 2024, alongside Cal and Stanford. Unlike the former Pac-12 programs, the Mustangs proved to be a juggernaut off the bat, instantly giving putting a target on their back for the 2025 season.
After qualifying for consecutive conference championships and completing back-to-back ranked seasons, SMU is no longer a surprise. The Mustangs enter the season with a No. 16 next to their name, eager to improve upon their 8-0 ACC regular season record.
The key to maintaining that success is fast starts. The Mustangs were at their best when they could quickly generate a 7-0 lead on the scoreboard, and then everything was smooth-sailing. Meanwhile, their three losses featured a combined seven first quarter and nine second quarter points, and those slow starts seemed to affect the team as whole. The other improvement SMU must make in 2025 is avoid sudden turnover barrages. Two first quarter turnovers put them in a quick 14-point hole vs. Clemson and three first half interceptions — including two pick-sixes — caused Penn State to put a lock on that playoff game before halftime. SMU’s sheer talent even survived one of those turnover barrages, as it defeated Duke in overtime despite losing the turnover battle 6-0.
As demonstrated in that Duke team, sheer talent and considerable depth are strengths of Lashlee’s team. SMU lacked a single 700-yard receiver yet fielded one of the deepest groups in the country. The Mustangs also lacked a defender with at least eight sacks but finished top 10 nationally in sacks per game, led by a stout defensive line. Some position groups such as running back, defensive line, and linebacker need to restock, but there aren’t any glaring weaknesses on this team — allowing the Mustangs to operate as ACC contenders for 2025.
The all-Saturday schedule produces two September challenges in the non-conference slate. The Mustangs host Baylor in Week 2 and then battle arch-rival TCU in what will be a heated, emotional Iron Skillet matchup — the final installment before the rivalry dissolves for the foreseeable future.
A bye week separates non-conference from conference play, and SMU commences the ACC slate at Gerald J. Ford Stadium against a Syracuse team fresh off a 10-3 campaign. But the matchup most Mustang fans are circling is that Oct. 18 trip to Clemson in a grudge match of the 2024 ACC Championship Game. Other key ACC games SMU likely needs to win to return to Charlotte include November home matchups against Miami (FL) and Louisville.
It’s likely a tougher ACC slate than SMU was given in year one, but the Mustangs are up for the challenge and more, as they eye a return to the College Football Playoff stage.
Schedule
| Week | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. East Texas A&M (FCS)* | Sat, Aug. 30 |
| 2 | vs. Baylor* | Sat, Sept. 6 |
| 3 | @ Missouri State* | Sat, Sept. 13 |
| 4 | @ TCU* | Sat, Sept. 20 |
| 5 | BYE | |
| 6 | vs. Syracuse | Sat, Oct. 4 |
| 7 | vs. Stanford | Sat, Oct. 11 |
| 8 | @ Clemson | Sat, Oct. 18 |
| 9 | @ Wake Forest | Sat, Oct. 25 |
| 10 | vs. Miami (FL) | Sat, Nov. 1 |
| 11 | @ Boston College | Sat, Nov. 8 |
| 12 | BYE | |
| 13 | vs. Louisville | Sat, Nov. 22 |
| 14 | @ California | Sat, Nov. 29 |
| 15 | ACC Championship Game | Sat, Dec. 6 |
* denotes non-conference game
