2025 spring preview
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2025 1:20 pmSMU Mustangs
2024 record: 11-3 (8-0)
Spring storyline: SMU did the unprecedented last year, rolling to an ACC championship game appearance in its first year in a power conference. Despite the success the Mustangs had in their inaugural ACC season, they lost to Clemson in the ACC title game and then lost to Penn State in the first round of the College Football Playoff. While Year 1 should be considered a success, all eyes will be on SMU to see whether it is able to sustain its momentum and position near the top of the conference.
Position of intrigue: Brashard Smith emerged last season as a dynamic playmaker for the Mustangs, gaining a school-record 1,977 all-purpose yards; now they have to find a way to replace his production. SMU signed Miami transfer Chris Johnson Jr., hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Smith, also a Miami transfer. Johnson joins returning players LJ Johnson and Derrick McFall, who showed playmaking ability as a true freshman last season in the handful of games he played.
Player to watch: The biggest question here is how quarterback Kevin Jennings responds after throwing three interceptions -- two that were returned for touchdowns -- in the CFP loss to Penn State. Jennings was so good for SMU the bulk of the season; how he responds to the adversity from that game will be telling.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/s ... yers-watch
2024 record: 11-3 (8-0)
Spring storyline: SMU did the unprecedented last year, rolling to an ACC championship game appearance in its first year in a power conference. Despite the success the Mustangs had in their inaugural ACC season, they lost to Clemson in the ACC title game and then lost to Penn State in the first round of the College Football Playoff. While Year 1 should be considered a success, all eyes will be on SMU to see whether it is able to sustain its momentum and position near the top of the conference.
Position of intrigue: Brashard Smith emerged last season as a dynamic playmaker for the Mustangs, gaining a school-record 1,977 all-purpose yards; now they have to find a way to replace his production. SMU signed Miami transfer Chris Johnson Jr., hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Smith, also a Miami transfer. Johnson joins returning players LJ Johnson and Derrick McFall, who showed playmaking ability as a true freshman last season in the handful of games he played.
Player to watch: The biggest question here is how quarterback Kevin Jennings responds after throwing three interceptions -- two that were returned for touchdowns -- in the CFP loss to Penn State. Jennings was so good for SMU the bulk of the season; how he responds to the adversity from that game will be telling.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/s ... yers-watch