Jeff HauserTue, November 25, 2025 at 2:57 AM UTC·1 min readCollege Football Playoff projection: No. 11 SMU Mustangs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The SMU Mustangs sneak into the playoff projection at No. 11, per On3’s forecast by Andy Staples. They now face a crucial date on the schedule: Win next week and they’re in.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRhett Lashlee’s squad demolished Louisville 38-6 and now draws a Cal team that’s reeling after firing Justin Wilcox. The Mustangs can make a return trip to the Playoff, which felt unimaginable a month ago. However, key wins, especially the one at home over Miami could be the difference.
With everything aligned, SMU must seize the moment and keep the distractions minimal in the next two weeks. The margin of error is slim. If somehow Cal picks up a win in the finale, ACC chaos would be running wild.
If the Mustangs execute like they did last week, they might find themselves back in the Playoff field. If not, the opportunity could slip away with whoever takes the ACC being in the final 12 teams.
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