SURGING: VEGAS Sees SMU Football as an ACC DARK HORSE—Can Mustangs MAKE Playoff NOISE in 2026?

SMU Mustangs earn third-shortest ACC odds for a national title—are they sleepers for the expanded College Football Playoff? Grayson Singleton examines how FanDuel’s confidence in SMU highlights both the shifting ACC landscape and the Mustangs’ tangible path to postseason glory. With a strengthened coaching staff, a top-tier returning quarterback, and impactful transfer portal moves like Kendrick Raphael, SMU's winning formula is scrutinized, and questions loom: Could this roster make a legitimate playoff run, or is the ACC simply up for grabs?Grayson also previews the high-stakes SMU basketball clash against Florida State, emphasizing the risk of an upset after dismantling Wake Forest. Key adjustments in Rhett Lashlee's football staff are unpacked, spotlighting additions like veteran OL coach Sam Gregg and South Oak Cliff’s Kyle Ward. Can these strategic hires and on-court consistency propel SMU to sustained ACC success? Don't miss this deep dive into the Mustangs’ evolving ambitions and challenges.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   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.