Game Preview: SMU Welcomes Miami for Homecoming Showdown

Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 11 a.m. CT

Gerald J. Ford Stadium | Dallas, Texas

TV: ESPN | Radio: The Ticket (KTCK 96.7 FM / 1310 AM) | Streaming: SMU App

Setting the Stage

Homecoming weekend brings a marquee matchup to Dallas as SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC) welcomes No. 10/9 Miami (6-1, 2-1 ACC) to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for an early 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN.

The Mustangs look to bounce back after a tough 13–12 road loss at Wake Forest, a defensive slugfest that saw SMU force five turnovers and hold the Demon Deacons to just two red-zone conversions. Despite the narrow defeat, SMU remains one of the most balanced teams in the ACC, combining an explosive offense with a takeaway-hungry defense.

Explosive Offense Meets Opportunistic Defense

SMU’s offense, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, continues to light up scoreboards. Jennings ranks 13th nationally in passing yards (2,119) and 16th in passing touchdowns (17). His chemistry with receiver Romello Brinson has been key. Brinson ranks among the ACC’s top 10 in both receiving yards (515) and receptions per game (4.6).

The Mustangs have been quick-striking all season, recording 10 touchdown drives under two minutes. When SMU scores 30 or more, it’s almost automatic, Rhett Lashlee’s squad is 30-3 in such games during his tenure.

Defensively, the “Club Takeaway” mantra has paid off. SMU leads the nation in turnovers gained (20), ranks third in red-zone defense (64.5%), and sits 10th in team sacks (25). The front line ,Terry Webb (5.5 sacks), Jeffrey M’ba (5.0), and Cameron Robertson (5.0), has wreaked havoc all year, with all three ranking among the ACC’s top five in sacks.

Mustangs at Home

Ford Stadium has been a fortress for SMU. The Mustangs have gone 17-2 in their last 19 home games, averaging a staggering 46.5 points per contest. Under Lashlee, SMU has topped 40 points in 13 of 22 home games (12-1 record in those).

Lashlee’s teams also know how to finish the season strong, the Mustangs are 11-1 in November since he took over, the best winning percentage for any SMU coach in program history.

About the Hurricanes

Miami enters the contest at 6-1, fresh off a 42-7 win over Stanford. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes boast one of the ACC’s most physical rosters, blending elite speed on defense with a balanced offensive attack. Saturday’s clash will mark only the second all-time meeting between the programs, SMU won the first, 7-3, back in 1965.

Coaching Connections

This matchup carries extra intrigue for SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee, who served as Miami’s offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before taking over the Mustangs in 2022. Since returning to the Hilltop, Lashlee has guided SMU to national prominence, compiling a 34-15 record and multiple Coach of the Year honors, including being a finalist for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award last season.

What to Watch

• Turnover Battle: SMU’s defense leads the nation in takeaways can they force mistakes from a disciplined Miami offense?

  
  

• Homecoming Energy: The Mustangs have averaged nearly 47 points per game at home since 2022. Expect fireworks early.

  
  

• Jennings’ Rhythm: If Kevin Jennings settles in early, SMU’s quick-strike offense could challenge Miami’s secondary.

  
  

• Trenches Test: Both teams feature dominant defensive lines, whichever side controls the line of scrimmage will dictate the tempo.

The Bottom Line

SMU has established itself as a powerhouse in its new ACC surroundings, and this Homecoming matchup offers a statement opportunity. Miami brings national recognition and momentum, but Ford Stadium has become one of the toughest venues in college football.

Expect a high-intensity, physical showdown, one that could have major implications in the ACC race as November football begins.