SMU Surges to No. 14 in ESPN's Future Power Rankings
The days of SMU being a college football afterthought are over.
Following a headline-grabbing 2024 season that saw the Mustangs storm into the ACC, make it to the conference title, and crash the College Football Playoff, ESPN's Future Power Rankings now place SMU at No. 14 nationally, a dramatic rise from their No. 22 spot just a year ago.
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This ranking isn't just a pat on the back. It's a statement: SMU's resurgence is real, and its foundation is strong enough to last.
At the center of SMU's ascension is redshirt junior Kevin Jennings, who returns for a possible two more seasons. While his CFP debut against Penn State was rocky, throwing three interceptions, his overall numbers paint a different picture: 3,245 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and five rushing scores in 2024.
ESPN cites the 'very likely' stability of Jennings at quarterback through 2026 as a major reason for the Mustangs' rise. With offensive coordinator Casey Woods and quarterbacks coach D'Eriq King returning, the continuity around Jennings is a rare asset in today's transfer-heavy landscape.
Though SMU's offense grabs the headlines, their defensive line is quietly elite. Returning edge rushers Cameron Robertson and Isaiah Smith combined for 14 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 2024, while Purdue transfer Jeffrey M'Ba brings SEC size and experience to the interior.
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The offensive line is just as formidable. PJ Williams and Logan Parr, both third-team All-ACC selections, return alongside Savion Byrd, with Arkansas transfer Addison Nichols adding depth.
Even with the loss of elite quarterback recruit Keelon Russell to Alabama, SMU reeled in ESPN's No. 30 recruiting class for 2025. Coach Rhett Lashlee's staff has balanced retention and portal additions better than most Power Four programs, reinforcing weak spots without overhauling the core.
Defensively, All-ACC safety Isaiah Nwokobia and playmaker Ahmaad Moses lead a unit filled with future pros. ESPN noted that while SMU lost some defensive depth, they have 'others ready for bigger roles.'
With ACC competition leveling up and College Football Playoff expansion rewarding depth and consistency, SMU is built to thrive. The only looming question: Can the Mustangs keep Lashlee long-term, as SEC programs circle?
Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee looks on.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
One thing is certain, SMU isn't just participating in the Power Four era. They're pushing to lead it.
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Mustang fans, it's time to lean in. The next two seasons could define the modern identity of SMU football. Don't miss a moment, because for the first time in decades, the nation is watching Dallas.
Related: Former NFL Kicker and SMU Great Unexpectedly Dies at 65
Related: SMU's Rhett Lashlee Admits the College Football Playoff Made an Error
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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