SMU enters mid-October at 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the ACC, ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, with a consensus 2026 regular-season win total line of 8.5. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has driven a high-powered passing attack that ranks among the nation’s best in yards per game, supported by an efficient ground game and a defense that has limited opponents while excelling on third downs. The Mustangs remain undefeated at home in ACC play since joining the conference and hold a strong record against Power conference foes. Remaining schedule features winnable home matchups against California, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest, offset by road tests at Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Stanford. Trader consensus reflects the team’s proven form and roster continuity under head coach Rhett Lashlee, tempered by the difficulty of closing out a full ACC slate.