SMU vs Notre Dame head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 12, Saturday, November 21, 2026.
The Breakdown
Notre Dame 69, SMU 67 — near coin flip; top-heavy Irish, 82% blue chip, win the back-versus-linebacker battle.
When SMU has the ball: The 3.3★ receivers face Notre Dame's 3.8★ secondary; the 4.2★ O-line versus a 4★ D-line is even.
When Notre Dame has the ball: Aneyas Williams, 4★, runs at SMU's 3★ linebackers behind a 3.8★ O-line facing a 3.3★ D-line.
Swing factor: Kevin Jennings' 3★ and four years against CJ Carr's 4★, two years; Notre Dame starts three portal additions.
X-factor: South Bend in late November — SMU hauls a Week 12 Saturday road trip into that crowd.