Offense: Mustangs ready for ACC competition

SMU enjoyed a season with double-digit wins in 2023 and will now take a step up in competition in the ACC. The Mustangs will do so with an experienced starter quarterback in Preston Stone.

Last season, Stone threw for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He completed nearly 60% of his passes as well. He will have a thin group of wide receivers to work with this season. Jordan Hudson is one of the leading returners after 425 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Hopes are high for this wideout, along with tight end RJ Maryland.

The backfield is another position group that will need a player to step up. SMU returns its three leading rushers from last season and added Miami transfer Brashard Smith. Jaylan Knighton led the team in carries (136), rushing yards (745), and rushing touchdowns (7) last season. LJ Johnson Jr. and Camar Wheaton also eclipsed 400 yards rushing and combined for nine touchdowns.

Along the offensive line, SMU lost three starters but reloaded in the transfer portal. That is the benefit of today’s college football landscape and head coach Rhett Lashlee is reaping the benefits.

Defense: Top 15 unit looks to repeat success

The Mustangs were among the Top 15 defenses in the nation in yards per game last season. Can this continue in the ACC? That is the major goal for defensive coordinator Scott Symons.

Elijah Roberts leads the way on the edge after 9.5 sacks last season. Alexander Kilgore also returns as one of the top tacklers for the Mustangs. Returning production like this in the front seven gives SMU hopes that the defense will continue to perform at a high level in the ACC.

The secondary brings more question marks. The group of corners lost two starters and the unit attempted to replenish in the transfer portal. This was a focus of the staff and it was intensified by the change of conference.

It is clear that the blueprint for the Mustangs will be to be strong against the run and get to the quarterback.

2024 SMU Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 24: at Nevada
• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Houston Christian
• Friday, Sept. 6: vs. BYU
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. TCU
• Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Florida State
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Louisville
• Saturday, Oct. 19: at Stanford
• Saturday, Oct. 26: at Duke
• Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Pitt
• Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Boston College
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at Virginia
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Cal