Can the Ponies avoid a sophomore slump in the Power Four?
Replicating the magical run to the ACC championship and the College Football Playoff is a tough chore for SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee & Co. The schedule includes Clemson and Miami this year, and the non-conference slate involves games against Big 12 contenders Baylor and TCU.
Star quarterback Kevin Jennings and a few key offensive linemen do return for Lashlee’s high-scoring attack. The loss of running back Brashard Smith is a concern. Safety Isaiah Nwokobia headlines Scott Symons’ defense that must replace Elijah Roberts up front and linebackers Ahmad Walker and Kobe Wilson.
SMU MUSTANGS
2024 record: 11-3, CFP bid
Overview
The Cinderella run by the Ponies into the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff won’t be easy to replicate against a tougher schedule in 2025. SMU hosts Big 12 contender Baylor in Week 2 before traveling to face rival TCU in the final scheduled Battle for the Iron Skillet in Week 4. The ACC slate includes Miami and Clemson – two squads the weren’t on the regular season schedule last season. Home games against Syracuse and Louisville won’t get as much publicity, but those are far from guaranteed wins on the Hilltop.
Biggest Game – Nov. 1 vs. Miami
A best home schedule for SMU since the glory days of the Southwest Conference includes Baylor, Syracuse, and Louisville, but the headliner is a visit from “The U” to start November. The Mustangs possess plenty of Miami ties, including former Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and a few transfers.
Trap Game – Oct. 25 at Wake Forest
A trip to North Carolina to face the Demon Deacons and first-year head coach Jake Dickert is the definition of a trap game. The week before, SMU travels to Clemson. The week after, the Ponies host Miami. SMU avoided upsets in the 2024 run to the ACC championship game.
Upset Bid – Oct. 18 at Clemson
SMU fell to Clemson in the ACC championship game last December on a last-minute field goal in Charlotte and the Tigers enter 2025 as the odds-on favorite to claim the conference crown. The Mustangs travel to face Dabo Swinney midway through the 2025 campaign looking for revenge.
Can’t Lose – Oct. 11 vs. Stanford
The first six games of the season include Baylor, TCU, Syracuse, and Clemson. SMU can’t afford a letdown at home against Stanford, a game sandwiched between Syracuse and Clemson in the front end of the ACC schedule. Stanford underwent a late coaching change and the Cardinal are in a massive rebuilding year in 2025.
Most Important Stretch – Sept. 6-Oct. 4
SMU plays its most important stretch right before that home game against Stanford. Games against Clemson and Miami are the headliners, but the vibes of the 2025 season will be determined before that in games against TCU, Baylor, and Syracuse. The ACC and the Big 12 are in a perception war to become the third-best conference in FBS and those types of head-to-head matchups, especially against in-state schools, matter a lot on the recruiting trail. Start slow and some will try to dismiss last year’s success as a fluke. Start strong with wins over those Big 12 teams and the Mustangs will gallop into ACC play.
Full Schedule
Aug. 30 East Texas A&M
Sept. 6 Baylor
Sept. 13 at Missouri State
Sept. 20 at TCU
Oct. 4 Syracuse
Oct. 11 Stanford
Oct. 18 at Clemson
Oct. 25 at Wake Forest
Nov. 1 Miami
Nov. 8 at Boston College
Nov. 22 Louisville
Nov. 29 at Cal
This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!