SMU’s non‑conference slate opens with a pair of winnable contests that could shape its early momentum. The Mustangs will travel to face UC Davis, a program that finished last season 9‑4 and earned a berth in the FCS playoffs, before hosting Missouri State. The Bears, now members of Conference USA after a July 2025 realignment, dropped a 28‑10 decision to SMU in their most recent meeting and enter the matchup ranked No. 110 by ESPN’s College Football Power Index and No. 126 by CBS Sports.
The marquee non‑conference test arrives in late November when SMU meets Notre Dame at the Fighting Irish’s home stadium. Notre Dame sits at No. 3 in the same Power Index and is projected as a national‑title contender, boasting one of the nation’s most talented offensive lines. While the Irish are favored because of depth, physicality and home‑field advantage, the Mustangs possess the talent to keep the game competitive.
A Playoff‑bound Showdown
Under head coach Rhett Lashlee, SMU has emerged as one of the ACC’s most competitive programs, turning a once‑peripheral schedule into a platform for playoff conversation. The November showdown could have major implications for the College Football Playoff race, potentially reshaping the selection committee’s view of the Mustangs’ résumé.
Key storylines will revolve around the battle in the trenches and the performance of special teams in what could be cold weather conditions. Turnover creation and disciplined play will be essential for SMU to neutralize Notre Dame’s depth and maintain any chance of an upset.
If SMU can pull off an upset, the victory would not only boost recruiting momentum but also cement the program’s rise under Lashlee, proving that the Mustangs can punch above their weight against a traditional powerhouse.