SMU beat Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl, ending a five-game bowl losing streak.

On January 2, 2026, in San Diego, Kevin Jennings led SMU to a 24-19 Holiday Bowl victory over No. 21 Arizona by throwing for 278 yards, including an 80-yard trick-play touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. T.J. Harden and Stone Eby's touchdowns gave the Mustangs a 24-0 halftime lead, which they maintained despite Jennings' three interceptions in the second half. Noah Fifita of Arizona made three touchdown passes, one of which was a 15-yard score with 33 seconds remaining. However, SMU recovered the onside kick to win. The triumph restored momentum under coach Rhett Lashlee and ended a five-game postseason losing streak. It was SMU's first bowl victory since 2012.