Miami Hurricanes Week 10 Preview: SMU Mustangs

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Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes took care of business last week despite a slow first half and will now go on a road trip to play the SMU Mustangs. Widely seen as both their last opportunity to improve their postseason resume and a potential stumble, SMU is led by a very familiar face. Former Hurricanes offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee is in his fourth season with the Mustangs. Lashlee created a recruiting pipeline, siphoning several UM players over the years. Key’Shawn Smith, Brashard Smith, Jahfari Harvey, Jared Harrison-Hunte, Tyler Van Dyke, Zion Nelson, Chris Johnson Jr, and Romello Brinson are just some who jumped over.

All business. We’ll see you in 24 hours 🙌@canesfootball | @ChickfilA pic.twitter.com/YJwQp7TlyW

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 31, 2025

The former 2024 ACC Coach of the Year worked wonders, helping the program make its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 as the No. 11 seed. Lashlee took his team to an 11-3 overall record, including an 8-0 record in conference play in SMU’s first season in the ACC, ensuring the Mustangs were bowl-eligible for a sixth straight year. Currently, they’re 5-3 (3-1, ACC), trying to recover from a surprise 13-12 loss to Wake Forest.

SMU

Chris Johnson Jr.

#16 SMU takes down East Texas A&M 42-10 🐴
💥 3 TOs incl. pick-sixes by Kilgore & Moses
💥 Kevin Jennings: 22/30, 260 YDS, 2 TDs + 1 rush TD
💥 Brinson: 7 REC, 121 YDS, 1 TD
💥 Chris Johnson Jr.: 44 rush YDS, 1 TD debut@SMUFB | @SMUMustangs | #GoMustangs pic.twitter.com/owwUrov5mL

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) August 31, 2025

Two of the three people we’re showcasing a bit here are former Miami Hurricanes. Chris Johnson Jr. is the number two running back at SMU, totaling 314 yards on 42 carries, complemented by three rushing TDs with one more in the air. Furthermore, Johnson averages 7.5 yards per carry, meaning he’s got some pep in his step. Chris didn’t see a lot of action at The U, leading to his departure for greener pastures. Speaking of, he was quiet in the loss to Wake Forest, rushing eight times for 29 yards.

Romello Brinson

Can we start every game with a Romello Brinson deep ball TD? Asking for a friend. pic.twitter.com/JTjaFuvaY8

— SMU Football (@SMUFB) September 6, 2025

Another former Cane. Romello Brinson is the top wide receiver in the program, recording 37 receptions for 515 yards and three TDs. Spending two seasons at Coral Gables, Brinson also didn’t see much action in his freshman and sophomore years. When he transferred to the Mustangs for 2023, he saw a dramatic increase in his workload, making 28 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been largely absent from the last two games, but Romello can do explosive plays, as seen against TCU and Syracuse.

Kevin Jennings

SMU QB Kevin Jennings with a behind the back pass🔥

(via @TheCW_Sports)pic.twitter.com/5c89Ov5lPJ

— On3 (@On3sports) October 11, 2025

Lastly, we’re looking at SMU’s quarterback. Kevin Jennings has put together a decent season, passing for 2,119 yards, including 17 TDs. He does have eight picks, throwing one in nearly every game except for the matchup versus Stanford, which bodes well for UM’s improved defense. This showdown may be decided by the turnover battle, given Carson Beck’s own INT count.

Miami

Mark Fletcher Jr.

💪 Mark Fletcher Jr. is built for The U.

✅ 2nd in the ACC in rushing
✅ 250 of 388 yards after contact
✅ Back-to-back 100-yd games

At 6’2”, 225 lbs, Fletcher is punishing defenses & powering The Canes' offense.@CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/WjG3n7lrmG

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 25, 2025

The run game bounced back after being nonexistent for two consecutive weeks. Mark Fletcher Jr. made up over half of Miami’s 199 rushing yards last Saturday, crossing the centennial mark with 106 yards and setting a new career high of three touchdowns. UM is the best in the ACC against the rush (611 yards/87.3 per game), but SMU has allowed the fourth fewest in the conference (764 yards/95.5 per game), making this a challenging assignment for the running back corps. Fletcher will hit 100+ again.

Akheem Mesidor

If you're just talking about pure entertainment factor, #Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor is one of the most enjoyable watches in this #NFLDraft class

Violent, versatile, technically-refined rusher with a really high floor. Fun, fun study. He's ready-made.#ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/HDUA4bmL4t

— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) October 28, 2025

Miami did not have the services of edge rusher Akheem Mesidor last weekend, who was out due to a foot injury that occurred in the 24-21 loss to Louisville. Mesidor was a game-time decision and was ultimately held out in favor of more rest. He will be needed against a Mustangs team that will be more than happy to assist in knocking out the Cardiac Canes from the CFP.

Keionte Scott

Keionte Scott is a Thorpe award semi finalist for the Miami Hurricanes and one of the most physical DBs in the country pic.twitter.com/K8ZEjzAqkx

— art (@canefilms) October 29, 2025

Sixth-year redshirt senior Keionte Scott led the way with five tackles, four of them solo, playing a role in keeping the Cardinal off the scoreboard nearly the entire night. Totaling 34 tackles, a forced fumble, and three pass deflections, Scott has been a steady presence, proving that he was a good addition out of Auburn. If the DBs hold it down at SMU, the Canes will clear a major hurdle since they represent the hardest opponent on the slate until Pitt.

Prediction

The high-stakes contest carries significant implications for the postseason. Miami knows it’s either continue winning or another Pop-Tarts Bowl-level appearance. I still can’t believe this is only their second road game and the first out of the state. This will be hostile territory with a sold-out crowd. As a reminder, SMU is great against the run, but the Mustangs are the worst team in the ACC against the pass, meaning Carson Beck can actually torch these guys. He has the weapons for it. The question is, will he? I’m thinking three TDs…and a pick. Regardless, this is a business trip, one that UM will take care of to stay alive. Canes win 28-17.

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