When you look at Notre Dame's 2026 schedule, it's easy to get distracted by the big-name opponents. But one of the most overlooked matchups could end up being one of the most important: a visit from the SMU Mustangs.

That's right—the same SMU program that crashed the 12-team College Football Playoff before Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan, and USC could get a ticket. It's easy to overlook a team from the ACC that isn't Miami or Clemson. But head coach Rhett Lashlee is quietly building something special in Dallas, and it's time to take notice.

Over the last two seasons, the Mustangs have gone 20-7 overall with a staggering 14-2 record in conference play. In 2024, they ran the table at 8-0 in ACC play, won 11 games, played for the conference title, and punched their ticket to the playoffs. While 2025 saw a slight step back at 9-4, they still finished strong with a Holiday Bowl win over Arizona. That's the kind of consistency that signals a program on the rise, not a fluke.

But what makes this season different? It's not just about past success—it's about what SMU brings back in 2026. And at the heart of it all is quarterback Kevin Jennings.

Over the last two years, Jennings has thrown for 6,886 yards and 49 touchdowns while adding nine more scores on the ground. The 6-foot, 192-pound signal-caller had a rough outing against Penn State in the playoffs, but he shook it off midway through 2025 and started lighting up defenses. On the road against Clemson, he threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Two weeks later, in an upset win over Miami, he put up 365 yards through the air, a touchdown pass, and another on the ground—with zero turnovers. And in November against Louisville, he completed 78.4% of his passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, adding another rushing score for good measure.

Jennings' return brings a ton of confidence back to the SMU offense. But he's not alone. Up front, the Mustangs return their center, right guard, and right tackle—a trio that provides a solid foundation for the running game. And speaking of the run game, they've added running back Kendrick Rap to the mix, giving Jennings another weapon to lean on.

For Notre Dame, this is more than just another ACC crossover game. A resurgent SMU team, with its high-octane offense and playoff pedigree, could transform this matchup into a critical resume-builder for the Irish. If the Mustangs return to their playoff form, this overlooked clash could have major implications come Selection Sunday.