SMU's season-long struggle to become a difficult team to beat finally caught up with them in a loss at Syracuse on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The Mustangs fell to the Orange in an NCAA college football game at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.
A key moment came in the second half when Syracuse tight end Noah Meyers scored a touchdown, evading SMU linebacker Alexander Kilgore. The play highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued SMU throughout the year.
The defeat underscores a recurring theme for SMU: an inability to consistently protect leads or stifle opposing offenses. Despite competitive performances earlier in the season, the team has yet to establish the defensive identity needed to close out tight games.
Syracuse capitalized on those weaknesses to secure the victory, though the final score and additional game details were not immediately available.
