2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 11-3, Loss vs. Penn State in CFB Playoff First Round (38-10)

SMU dropped an early game to BYU but was able to rebound with nine consecutive victories to end the season. The Mustangs replaced Preston Stone with Kevin Jennings early on and the move paid off. SMU appeared in the ACC Championship Game before losing to Clemson but with only two losses, the Mustangs made an appearance in the College Football Playoff for the first time.

OFFENSE: Jennings to Lead High-Powered Unit

It is now Kevin Jennings’ show to run down at SMU.

Jennings struggled with turnovers last season but still put up big-time numbers. He threw for nearly 3,300 yards and 23 touchdowns with five on the ground as well. Jennings replaced Preston Stone under center and the move helped the team make a run into the playoffs.

Jennings will work with a strong offensive line once again. Last year, the one was good and there’s a chance it takes a step up. PJ Williams and Savion Byrd are among the top tackles in the ACC heading into the season. Logan Parr is an elite guard and will be joined in the interior by Addison Nichols and Joshua Bates.

There will be time for Jennings to throw and get the ball around to skill positions. Jordan Hudson was second on the team last season with 29 catches and five touchdowns. Daylon Singleton and Jalen Cooper are big-time recruits that can become downfield threats as well.

Jennings is a dual threat-quarterback but will also have multiple backs to work with. Derrick McFall and Miami transfer Chris Johnson Jr. will split time in the backfield.

DEFENSE: Secondary Leads a Strong Cast

The secondary was among the nation’s best last season and that will be the case once again — led by Isaiah Nwokobia. He finished with 100 tackles and three interceptions last season.

While Nwokobia is the leader in the secondary, there are other major returners. This includes Ahmaad Moses. Jaelyn Davis-Robinson and Deuce Harmon are back on the outside as well.

As good as the secondary is, the pass rush will have the chance to play to that level. Cam Robertson and Isaiah Smith combined for 10.5 sacks last season. The front consistently gets pressure in the backfield and that will continue with transfers coming in like DJ Wagner and Trey Wilson.

There will be some changes in the middle of the defense. The Mustangs lost both leading tacklers in Kobe Lewis and Ahmad Walker.

SMU will look to new places for production. Alexander Kilgore will be one of the leaders with experience in a young group.

2025 SMU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. East Texas A&M
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Baylor
• Saturday, Sept. 13: at Missouri State
• Saturday, Sept. 20: at TCU
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Syracuse
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. Stanford
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Clemson
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at Wake Forest
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Miami
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at Boston College
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Louisville
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Cal