Florida State gets a pivotal opportunity to get back on track with a marquee ACC opener against No. 19 SMU. The Seminoles looked lackluster in a 34-17 win over New Mexico State in Week 0, needing a late touchdown run from Ousmane Kromah to pull away. Three receivers posted at least 50 yards in the win.
SMU has put together perhaps the most impressive transition to the power-conference level in history, posting a 14-2 ACC record and a playoff appearance in its first two seasons. Now, the Mustangs are regarded as the top conference contender to Miami. However, early road trips to Florida State and No. 24 Louisville will quickly reveal whether the Mustangs can return to the postseason.
The Mustangs' 42-16 win over Florida State in 2024 marked a historic milestone for the program. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for three touchdowns in a breakout performance. However, Florida State has a major advantage after opening the season one week earlier.
Kromah's emergence: Rated the No. 3 running back in the Class of 2025, Kromah was a critical late flip for Mike Norvell's staff at Florida State. After flashing potential early, he looked the part of a bellcow during a strong performance against New Mexico State. The sophomore carried the ball 14 times for 115 yards and a touchdown, including a late score to put the game away.
Kromah only touched the ball more than 10 times twice in 2025; his carries must increase. King of Dallas: SMU is going all in on fifth-year senior quarterback Kevin Jennings, including a major Heisman Trophy campaign. The Dallas native is set to rewrite the SMU record books after entering the season with more than 7,700 yards and 55 touchdowns to his name.
Jennings suffered an early lower-body injury that limited his rushing last season; expect Jennings to lean on his mobility far more in Tallahassee. Major implications: Early season games are always important, but setting the tone early is critically important for both of these teams considering what's ahead. After SMU, Florida State travels to play No. 13 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, hosts ACC runner-up Virginia and then has road trips against No. 24 Louisville and No. 7 Miami, split only by an FCS matchup with Central Arkansas.
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