SMU Eyes Redemption in 2026 Behind Veteran QB Kevin Jennings and a Rebuilt Roster
After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that started with playoff hopes and ended with a Holiday Bowl win, SMU is heading into 2026 with something to prove. Head coach Rhett Lashlee enters his fifth season at the helm, and while the Mustangs have tasted success under his leadership - including an undefeated conference run and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024 - last season’s early stumbles against unranked Baylor and TCU derailed any shot at a repeat.
Now, with a veteran quarterback, a fortified offensive line, and a mix of returning leaders and portal reinforcements, SMU is gearing up for a schedule that includes some heavyweight matchups - including road trips to Florida State, Louisville, and Notre Dame. Let’s break down what the Mustangs are bringing to the table in 2026.
2025 Recap
- Record: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in conference
- Bowl Game: Beat Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl
- 2024 Record: 11-3, 8-0 in conference, lost to Penn State 38-10 in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff
Offense: Kevin Jennings Leads a New-Look Unit
The Mustangs’ offense will once again be led by Kevin Jennings, who returns for his senior season under center. Jennings’ 2025 stat line - 300 completions on 454 attempts (66.1%), 3,641 yards, 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 146.6 passer rating - tells the story of a quarterback who found his rhythm as the season progressed. He had a rocky start, possibly still shaking off the sting from a tough outing against Penn State to close out 2024, but he eventually settled back into the form that made him one of the AAC’s most effective signal-callers.
Jennings will be operating behind a stable right side of the offensive line, with center Joshua Bates, right guard Addison Nichols, and right tackle PJ Williams all returning. That continuity is huge, especially for a quarterback who’ll be working with a mostly new group of skill players.
Wide receiver Yamir Knight is the lone returning starter among the pass catchers. Knight hauled in 54 receptions for 637 yards and five touchdowns last season, and his quickness and route-running make him a reliable target in the slot. He’ll be joined by Jalen Cooper, who flashed late in the year with 321 yards and two touchdowns on just 19 catches.
But the real story on offense is the influx of transfer talent. Running back Kendrick Raphael comes in from Cal after racking up 943 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He’s expected to be the bell cow from day one, replacing the production lost with the departure of TJ Harden.
At receiver, Yannick Smith arrives from East Carolina to give Jennings another veteran target. Smith’s 583 yards and five touchdowns last season show he can stretch the field, and at 6-foot-3, he brings a physical presence that complements Knight’s speed.
The tight end room also got a boost with the additions of Randy Pittman Jr. (Florida State) and Theo Melin Ohrstrom (Texas A&M), both of whom bring size and experience to an offense that will lean on quick reads and intermediate routes.
Defense: Reloading Up Front, Experience in the Back
On the defensive side, SMU has some holes to fill - especially in the trenches. All four starting defensive linemen from 2025 are gone, including standout edge rusher Isaiah Smith and interior linemen Jeffrey M’Ba and Terry Webb. That’s a lot of production and leadership walking out the door.
But there are still key pieces returning, starting with linebackers Brandon Booker and Alexander Kilgore. Booker led the team with 69 tackles last season, while Kilgore added 60 stops, two interceptions, and showed strong instincts in coverage. These two will be the heartbeat of a young defense still finding its identity.
Jahkai Lang returns on the edge after logging 410 snaps in 2025. He posted 16 pressures and 25 tackles - solid numbers that could jump with more reps and responsibility this year.
In the secondary, SMU brings back both starting corners. Marcellus Barnes (32 tackles, 6 passes defended, 1 INT) and William Nettles (37 tackles, 4 passes defended, 1 INT) provide stability on the outside.
But the safety positions are wide open after the departures of Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses. Sophomore Tyren Polley Jr. is a name to watch - he played 261 snaps as a freshman and will be in the mix for a starting role.
To help with the defensive rebuild, SMU went to the portal and came away with a solid haul. Up front, they added EDGE Marques White from UMASS (50 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles), Ira Singleton from USF, and 6-foot-6, 305-pound DT Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder from Kansas State - a much-needed presence in the middle. Christian Davis from Louisiana Tech also joins the interior rotation.
In the secondary, veteran safety Jimmy Wyrick arrives from UTSA. Wyrick brings six years of college experience and a stat line that includes 62 tackles, eight passes defended, and an interception last season. His leadership could be crucial in a young defensive backfield.
Recruiting and Rankings
SMU’s 2026 recruiting class landed inside the top 30 nationally, checking in at No. 25 on Rivals/On3 and No. 30 on 247Sports. That’s a strong showing for a program that continues to build momentum under Lashlee, especially as they navigate the new-look college football landscape.
The Road Ahead
The Mustangs won’t have much time to ease into the season. A road trip to Florida State kicks things off, followed shortly by another away game at Louisville.
Then comes a marquee matchup in South Bend against Notre Dame, followed by a season finale at Stanford. It’s a schedule that offers both risk and reward - a chance to make an early statement and climb back into the national conversation.
With a senior quarterback, a retooled roster, and a staff that’s proven it can win, SMU isn’t just looking to bounce back - they’re aiming to contend. The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together.