Rhett Lashlee returns for his fifth season after SMU finished 9-4 and won the Holiday Bowl in 2025. The Mustangs enter 2026 with a restructured coaching staff, while veteran quarterback Kevin Jennings returns for his final season. With TJ Harden departing, California transfer Kendrick Raphael joins the backfield after averaging 73 rushing yards per game last season. SMU must replace the production of Jordan Hudson and Romello Brinson, but Yamir Knight returns after making 54 catches last season. Transfer tight ends Randy Pittman and Theo Melin Öhrström also join the offense after recording 23 and 19 receptions, respectively. The offensive line returns three full-time starters who combined for 38 starts last season, while Andrew Chamblee adds additional experience after making three starts.
Maurice Crum Jr. and Rickey Hunley Jr. return as co-defensive coordinators, with Crum taking over the defensive play-calling duties. SMU lost its top two tacklers from last season and returns just four of its top eleven in Brandon Booker, Alexander Kilgore, Brandon Miyazono, and William Nettles. Booker and Kilgore provide continuity at linebacker after each making 11 starts last season. The secondary returns Nettles and Marcellus Barnes after each making seven starts, while Jaelyn Davis-Robinson also returns after making four. Texas A&M transfer Jayvon Thomas joins the defensive backfield as another option.
Casey Horny takes over as special teams coordinator after SMU finished last in the ACC in field-goal percentage last season. New Hampshire transfer Nick Reed is the leading candidate to handle field goals and extra points after making 25 of 32 field-goal attempts in 2025. Australian punter Wade McSparron returns, along with punt returner Yamir Knight and kickoff returners Link Rhodes and Daylon Singleton. SMU enters 2026 with considerable experience at quarterback and along the offensive line while replacing significant production at several other positions. The Mustangs return just four of their top eleven tacklers, but bring back two full-time starters at linebacker and several experienced players in the secondary.