The FSU Seminoles passed their first test of the season, beating the New Mexico State Aggies in Week 0, and now it is time for their ACC opener. Florida State is set to host the No. 19 SMU Mustangs on Monday in Doak Campbell Stadium, and they will be playing one of the toughest rosters in the conference.
The Seminoles are entering the game as underdogs, with the Mustangs looking to make a statement in their first game of the season. SMU was picked to finish second in the ACC and has hopes of winning the conference and punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years.
With experienced players all over the roster and several key transfers added to the mix, they have the roster to make it happen. Here are five
SMU Mustangs to know before the showdown on Labor Day.
Kevin Jennings - Quarterback
Jennings is entering his third season as the starter and is one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC. He is dangerous with his arm and legs, completing 65% of his passes for 7,709 yards, 55 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, while running for 559 yards and 10 more touchdowns. He torched FSU when the two programs met in 2024, and the defense will have to be better to keep him in check on Monday.
Alexander Kilgore - Linebacker
The senior is entering his fourth year with the program and second as a starter. He has improved every year and is looking to take a step after finishing last season with 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. He is the leader of a linebacker group that projects as a strength of SMU's defense.
Kendrick Raphael - Running Back
Raphael was arguably SMU's top addition through the transfer portal after a breakout junior season with the Cal Golden Bears that saw him receive All-ACC Honorable Mention honors after rushing for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns on 232 carries. It will be important for FSU to contain him as they try to make SMU's offense one-dimensional.
Ahmaad Moses - Safety
Moses is not currently on SMU's roster, but could be a difference-maker for the Mustangs if they can get him eligible. An All-American and All-ACC performer in 2025, Moses was out of eligibility and was set to be drafted, but an offseason surgery ended those chances. He has decided to return to college and was recently granted a fifth year of eligibility by a court. If he is able to play, it will be a major boost for SMU's secondary.
PJ Williams - Right Tackle
Williams is one of the best offensive linemen that the Seminoles will face all year and the first major test for the defensive line, which struggled at times against New Mexico State. The senior has played in 39 games during his career and allowed just 4.0 sacks and 39 pressures in 1,171 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU football vs SMU: Five Mustangs to know
