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SMU Gets Injury Edge As Virginia Loses Key Players Before ACC Showdown

No. 24 SMU enters Saturday’s ACC showdown with a clear injury advantage over Virginia, as the Cavaliers face a cascade of setbacks that could reshape their defense.

Sixteen Virginia players are listed as out for the game, including starting cornerback Omillio Agard (ACL tear, season-ending) and defensive back Brandyn Hillman, while wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. and defensive end Devon Baxter are also sidelined.

The Mustangs, meanwhile, have far fewer concerns, with only eight players ruled out—most notably wide receivers Carterrious Brown and Daylon Singleton—and quarterback Kevin Jennings fully healthy. SMU’s explosive passing attack (346 yards per game) could exploit Virginia’s depleted secondary, which also lacks linebacker Caleb Hardy and offensive lineman Alex Payne.

Despite the challenges, Virginia (4-2, 2-1 ACC) has shown resilience, while SMU (4-1, 2-1 ACC) looks to extend its unbeaten streak in nine straight ACC home games since joining the conference in 2024. The game at Gerald J.

Ford Stadium carries significant implications for both teams’ ACC title hopes.

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