Louisville Cardinals Prepare for 2026 Matchup Against SMU Mustangs
Nov 29, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) drops back to pass against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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The Louisville Cardinals are gearing up for their 2026 conference opener against the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs on September 19 at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The Mustangs, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, aim to continue their offensive success despite recent defensive challenges, having won their last encounter 38-6.
- 01SMU Mustangs lead the all-time series against Louisville 4-0.
- 02Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025 but had a league-high 13 interceptions.
- 03The Mustangs' offense ranked No. 12 in passing yards last season, but their rushing game was only 95th in the FBS.
- 04SMU's defense lost 10 of their top 15 tacklers from last season, prompting a heavy reliance on transfer players.
- 05Louisville aims for their first victory against SMU since the Mustangs joined the ACC.
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The Louisville Cardinals are set to face the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs in their 2026 conference opener on September 19 at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. This matchup follows a 38-6 defeat for the Cardinals against the Mustangs on November 22, 2025. SMU, now a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), has shown strong performance under head coach Rhett Lashlee, achieving an 11-3 record in 2024 and a 9-4 record in 2025. Quarterback Kevin Jennings, a dual-threat player, returns for his final season after throwing for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, despite a high interception count of 13. The Mustangs' offense was notable for its passing efficiency, ranking 12th in the nation, but their rushing game struggled, finishing 95th in the FBS. Defensively, SMU faces challenges with significant losses in their lineup, including key players from last season, which may impact their performance. As Louisville prepares to host SMU, they see this as an opportunity to secure their first win against the Mustangs since their ACC affiliation began.
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This game presents an opportunity for Louisville to improve their standing in the ACC and potentially shift the dynamics of their rivalry with SMU.
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