SMU Is a Legit ACC Contender | 2026 College Football Preview Series

The 2026 College Football Preview Series continues with the SMU Mustangs, a team that could become one of the biggest sleepers in the country. After finishing 9-4 overall and 6-2 in ACC play, SMU enters Year 5 under Rhett Lashlee with proven quarterback Kevin Jennings, strong returning production, and one of the most favorable schedules among the conference’s top contenders. In this preview, I break down: SMU’s 2025 season and Holiday Bowl victory Kevin Jennings and the reworked offense Key portal additions and roster departures The Mustangs’ new coordinators LFTG Performance Index rankings ACC title and College Football Playoff odds The complete 2026 schedule Floor, ceiling, and final record prediction My prediction: 11-1 overall, 9-0 in ACC play Can SMU turn this opportunity into an ACC Championship and College Football Playoff appearance? Drop your SMU record prediction in the comments. #SMUFootball #PonyUp #SMUMustangs #ACCFootball #CollegeFootball #CFB #2026CollegeFootball