The Mustangs played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas, a separate city within the city limits of Dallas, and competed in the American Athletic Conference (The American).

The American Athletic Conference media day was held virtually on July 28.

The Mustangs defeated the Cougars 77–63, breaking the record for the highest-scoring regulation game in FBS history.

[7] SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai threw for a record 9 touchdowns, 7 of which came in the first half.

[8] The Mustangs also broke the school-record for most points in a game, with the previous record being 72.