Locked On SMU - Daily Podcast on SMU Mustangs Football & Basketball

SMU Mustangs set their sights on building the best offense of the Rhett Lashlee era—can they finally run the ball with authority and dominate the ACC? Grayson Singleton examines the Mustangs’ offensive upgrades, spotlighting quarterback Kevin Jennings’ return to full health and the arrival of standout running back Kendrick Raphael, who adds a new dimension to SMU’s ground game. Improved depth at running back and a veteran O-line position the Mustangs to break previous records and climb the ACC standings.

Jalen Hale’s redemption story takes center stage as he looks to make a big impact after battling injuries since leaving Alabama, while the wide receiver corps—featuring Jalen Cooper, Yannick Smith, and Yamir Knight—shapes up as one of the deepest in years. Plus, which game does Grayson Singleton call the “mind-boggling matchup” on SMU’s schedule? The preview of the road challenge at Syracuse explores the risks and intrigue surrounding that pivotal contest.

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5-Hour ENERGY

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SMU Mustangs' defense gets a major boost as new cornerbacks Jayvon Thomas and Jarvis Lee aim to double last season’s interception output—will this transformation finally fix SMU’s Achilles’ heel? Grayson Singleton spotlights SMU’s renewed focus on ball-hawking corners, analyzing how an aggressive scheme and targeted transfer additions could elevate the Mustangs’ defensive play in the ACC. The episode also tackles Rhett Lashlee’s strong endorsement of the Protect College Sports Act, exploring how chaotic court rulings threaten stability in college football. Key segments include a breakdown of Wake Forest’s deceptive strength and what makes the upcoming matchup a potential trap game for SMU, plus the importance of capitalizing on turnovers. Are the Mustangs poised for a defensive resurgence—and will Wake Forest once again spoil their momentum?

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KALSHI

Indeed

Wayfair

LARINECO

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

5-Hour ENERGY

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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SMU Mustangs eye a College Football Playoff breakthrough as Kendrick Raphael brings a game-changing spark to the backfield. Can Raphael’s bruising, versatile presence finally give SMU the special offensive edge they’ve lacked in recent years, reminiscent of Brashard Smith’s dominant 2024 campaign? Grayson Singleton highlights how SMU’s left tackle and running back positions could be difference-makers on the national stage, and questions whether quarterback play needs to be elite or simply well-supported by outstanding skill talent.

Defensive depth also takes center stage, as Grayson Singleton scrutinizes the revamped SMU defensive line and their need for a true rotation after last season’s late-game fatigue. Hear insights on key players like Dramekco Green, Malcolm Alcorn Crowder, and Akil Washington, plus why the Stanford clash is now the “rebound game” with season-defining stakes after a high-wire Notre Dame matchup. Can SMU compartmentalize emotion and finish the job on the road to a playoff spot?

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The Game

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Miami Hurricanes enter the ACC football season as favorites, but can Darian Mensah and his squad finally get over the hump, or will Louisville, SMU, or Clemson crash the championship party? The ACC Squad debates which two teams will punch their ticket to Charlotte, spotlighting top contenders like Isaac Brown and Kevin Jennings, and examining vital matchups set to shape the playoff race. Key storylines include bold predictions for the ACC’s Heisman chances, the impact of transfers and injuries—like Jennings’ infamous hand injury—and the ever-present SEC bias. Riveting discussions cover pivotal games such as SMU vs. Louisville, Miami at Clemson, and Duke’s return trip to face Mensah and the Hurricanes. As preseason polls stir controversy and playoff aspirations soar, the hosts break down each team’s path and question if the ACC can sneak two or even three programs into the College Football Playoff.

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SMU Mustangs face a critical challenge as poor first-drive execution threatens their College Football Playoff hopes. With only three opening-drive scores against Power 4 opponents last season, can head coach Rhett Lashlee and quarterback Kevin Jennings finally spark faster offensive starts and overcome the Mustangs’ early-game struggles? Grayson Singleton uncovers the unsettling trends behind SMU’s game planning and highlights concerns about the offensive line’s cohesion amid fall camp shuffling and injury setbacks for key players like Addison Nichols and Sam Utu. The episode also explores the wider college football landscape, questioning the NCAA’s handling of the 5-to-play-5 rule after TJ Harden’s NFL stint and abrupt return to campus. Are ongoing eligibility controversies just a symptom of the sport’s deeper structural flaws? Can SMU correct these issues before tough opening road games against Florida State and Louisville? The answers may define their season.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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SMU Mustangs sidestep disaster as quarterback Kevin Jennings returns to practice, igniting optimism ahead of their high-stakes ACC opener against Florida State. With no preseason or cupcake games to iron out wrinkles, SMU faces immediate pressure—can this roster meet playoff expectations right out of the gate?

Grayson Singleton breaks down why SMU is a trendy College Football Playoff pick, analyzing their #19 AP ranking, favorable schedule, and roster upside. Key topics include SMU’s need for fast starts, cornerback and game management improvements, and the weight of back-to-back Top 20 preseason rankings. Will the Mustangs live up to their national hype or risk being labeled perennial underachievers? Find out what’s at stake and how Head Coach Rhett Lashlee's squad stacks up heading into a defining season.

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Grayson Singleton reacts to SMU landing at No. 19 in the preseason AP Top 25, but should they be ranked ahead of Penn State? With quarterback Kevin Jennings and a dynamic roster loaded from the transfer portal, SMU enters the season as one of the ACC’s most intriguing contenders. Grayson makes the case based on resume-building opportunities against ranked opponents like Notre Dame and Louisville, while weighing the impact of schedule advantages—including a crucial stretch with five consecutive weeks at home.

A key theme that emerged was SMU’s playoff path: Is an ACC Championship or a marquee win over Notre Dame required for a College Football Playoff spot? Grayson and Spencer McLaughlin talk upward mobility in college football rankings, the role of perception, and the influence of early-season matchups. The discussion explored potential pitfalls (like Cal and Virginia Tech sneaking into the Top 25) and bold predictions for SMU’s win total, keeping fans dialed in on the Mustangs’ pursuit of national respect and postseason glory.

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SMU Mustangs’ head coach Rhett Lashlee emerges as a national Coach of the Year frontrunner—can an 11-win season and a College Football Playoff berth seal his legacy? With a talent-packed roster and favorable ACC schedule, the Mustangs look poised to outperform powerhouses like Florida State and Louisville, while key matchups against Notre Dame and playoff implications raise the stakes for SMU’s campaign.

Host Grayson Singleton breaks down why SMU can’t afford a slip-up against a faltering Boston College squad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus through tough stretches and avoiding a costly upset. Recruiting takes center stage as 4-star QB Carter Zingleman becomes the focal point for SMU’s 2028 class after missing out on Trey Wright, with analysis of Zingleman’s fit in Rhett Lashlee’s RPO-heavy offense. Can SMU’s quarterback pipeline keep the Mustangs ascending in the ACC?

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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KALSHI

The Game

5-Hour ENERGY

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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SMU Mustangs dismiss injury fears as quarterback Kevin Jennings rapidly recovers, setting the stage for a strong start to the season. Grayson Singleton discusses how Jennings’ finger setback offered unexpected practice reps for Ty Hawkins, and why the Mustangs’ offensive rhythm and chemistry shouldn't miss a beat heading into their opener against Florida State.

With preseason AP poll anticipation building, Grayson Singleton projects SMU will debut as the 17th-ranked team—citing transfer portal upgrades, returning starters, and the decline of key rivals like Penn State and Houston. The episode also unpacks the proposed Protect College Sports Act amendment, which could spark another realignment scramble and reshape conference power dynamics. Will the Mustangs and other ACC schools seize a six-month window to find new homes and accelerate the evolution towards a “Power 2” college football landscape?

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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KALSHI

The Game

Odoo

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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ACC football faces a potential turning point—could the Protect College Sports Act spark a seismic conference shakeup or preserve the league’s future? The Locked On ACC Squad dissects Senator Ashley Moody’s proposed 180-day realignment window, explore the high-stakes financial gambit around the ACC grant of rights, and debate which powerhouse programs—like Florida State, Miami, Clemson, and North Carolina—might bolt for greener pastures. The crew also spotlights crucial camp intel and position battles from Florida State, NC State, North Carolina, and Miami. Can NC State’s revamped linebacking corps and Miami’s rapidly improving offensive line lead to strong starts? Will Florida State’s tackling woes haunt early matchups? As Week 0 looms, the hosts preview high-profile openers, including TCU vs. North Carolina in Ireland, and break down the odds of a clean ACC sweep to open the season.

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