SMU enters the final stretch of the 2026 season at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the ACC, sitting near the top of the conference standings behind a high-powered offense led by senior quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has thrown for over 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns at elite efficiency. Fifth-year head coach Rhett Lashlee’s stable staff and portal additions have supported 57% returning production and strong home results, including an undefeated ACC home mark. Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against the run and in forcing turnovers, along with key injuries, remain concerns. The remaining schedule features a critical home matchup against ranked Wake Forest, followed by road games at Notre Dame and Stanford, which will largely determine whether the Mustangs finish above or below the 8.5-win total line. Trader consensus reflects the team’s offensive ceiling tempered by schedule difficulty and defensive consistency.