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SMU Mustangs in the NFL: Sutton, Rice Headline Big Week 9 Matchups
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- SMU Mustangs in the NFL: Sutton, Rice Headline Big Week 9 Matchups
(Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
DALLAS - While the SMU Mustangs continue their push through the ACC football schedule, some of the program's biggest former stars will take center stage across the NFL this weekend, including a head-to-head showdown between two of the school's most recognizable receivers.
Courtland Sutton and Rashee Rice headline the list of former Mustangs scheduled for NFL Week 9 action Sunday, November 1, with several other SMU products looking to contribute as the professional season moves into its second half.
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The matchup between Sutton's Denver Broncos and Rice's Kansas City Chiefs is particularly intriguing, pitting two former SMU standouts against one another in a critical AFC West rivalry.
Courtland Sutton vs. Rashee Rice: SMU Stars Collide
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos - Sunday, 3:25 p.m. CT
The biggest matchup for Mustang fans comes in Denver, where Sutton and Rice will represent opposite sides of one of the NFL's most intense divisional rivalries.
Sutton, who played at SMU from 2014 through 2017, has established himself as one of Denver's most dependable offensive weapons. His combination of size, physicality and contested-catch ability makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defensive backs.
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Rice, meanwhile, helped transform SMU's passing attack during his college career from 2019 through 2022 before becoming an important piece of Kansas City's offense.
Both receivers have the ability to change a game with one explosive play.
For SMU supporters, Sunday's meeting offers a chance to see two generations of Mustang receiving talent sharing the same NFL field.
Brandon Stephens Looks to Strengthen Jets Secondary
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets - Sunday, Noon CT
Former SMU defensive back Brandon Stephens will look to make his presence felt when the New York Jets host the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Stephens played at SMU during the 2019 and 2020 seasons before becoming a third-round NFL Draft selection in 2021.
Known for his versatility and physical style of coverage, Stephens has developed into an experienced NFL cornerback.
Against Las Vegas, his ability to limit explosive passing plays could be an important factor in New York's defensive performance.
Grant Calcaterra Gets Primetime Opportunity
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders - Sunday, 7:20 p.m. CT
Former SMU tight end Grant Calcaterra will be part of Sunday Night Football when Philadelphia visits Washington.
Calcaterra spent the 2021 season at SMU, catching 38 passes for 465 yards and four touchdowns before entering the NFL.
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Now with the Eagles, the veteran tight end provides depth and versatility in Philadelphia's offensive formations.
His receiving ability and experience give the Eagles another option in a divisional matchup with significant NFC East implications.
Elijah Roberts Faces Falcons in NFC South Battle
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sunday, Noon CT
Former SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts will have another opportunity to contribute when Tampa Bay hosts Atlanta.
Roberts played for the Mustangs in 2023 and 2024, emerging as a disruptive presence along the defensive front.
His combination of power and pass-rushing ability helped him reach the NFL, where he continues developing as part of the Buccaneers' defensive rotation.
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Sunday's NFC South matchup could create opportunities for Roberts to pressure the quarterback and contribute against the run.
More Former Mustangs to Watch
Several other SMU alumni are attached to NFL teams competing this weekend.
Kylen Granson, Tennessee Titans: The former Mustang tight end will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Noon CT. Granson played at SMU from 2018 through 2020 and offers Tennessee an experienced receiving option at tight end.
Matthew Hibner, Baltimore Ravens: The rookie tight end heads into a difficult road matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Noon CT. Hibner, who played for SMU in 2024 and 2025, is beginning his NFL career after being selected in the fourth round of the 2026 draft.
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Charles Woods, New England Patriots: The former SMU defensive back is part of New England's secondary as the Patriots travel to Miami for a 3:25 p.m. CT meeting with the Dolphins.
Other former Mustangs, including quarterback Shane Buechele with Buffalo and wide receiver Jordan Hudson with Dallas, remain on NFL practice squads. Their availability for game-day action depends on roster elevations.
SMU's NFL Pipeline Continues to Grow
The presence of former Mustangs across the NFL reflects the program's continued ability to develop professional talent.
From established veterans such as Sutton and Rice to younger players like Hibner and Roberts, SMU alumni are contributing at multiple positions throughout the league.
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For Mustang fans, Sunday's NFL schedule offers several opportunities to follow familiar names.
And the main attraction is clear: two former SMU receiving stars, Sutton and Rice, battling in Denver with AFC West bragging rights on the line.
