<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2020 Workiva-->
<!--r:df4f19ce-781a-40c2-8adf-e10f2331f89c,g:3bb597e2-0ba3-442e-8ba6-3a1c281d692f-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/Coverpage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#Coverpage"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/Coverpage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_21cb92ce-3c84-4e05-87e9-d04e12cb4f84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_21cb92ce-3c84-4e05-87e9-d04e12cb4f84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_d5a5d910-8068-4035-a858-00481ceefaf8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_d5a5d910-8068-4035-a858-00481ceefaf8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6af7ae8d-c1fc-4bdb-9215-73f096b77776" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6af7ae8d-c1fc-4bdb-9215-73f096b77776" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_b3f11c44-bb75-4021-893e-28e688c67e89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_b3f11c44-bb75-4021-893e-28e688c67e89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_26ce8a64-d514-4cf4-9400-cb950cbba30a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_26ce8a64-d514-4cf4-9400-cb950cbba30a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_12c0eee4-5237-4c81-bd78-32b9e432494f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_12c0eee4-5237-4c81-bd78-32b9e432494f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_3b29cfe1-3dcb-47c1-997f-112ad4d64cc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_3b29cfe1-3dcb-47c1-997f-112ad4d64cc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_7f622ab9-c7bd-4640-8a71-5a887d73d862" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_7f622ab9-c7bd-4640-8a71-5a887d73d862" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_62fff7d6-a1bd-4343-a42e-4846a9a33602" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_62fff7d6-a1bd-4343-a42e-4846a9a33602" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_f6224fc7-f169-4402-8903-3696f257668b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_f6224fc7-f169-4402-8903-3696f257668b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_7e2e0825-3416-4c03-b790-7137fb512218" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_7e2e0825-3416-4c03-b790-7137fb512218" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_d42ec8ab-f9a3-4e30-ae79-f4b717475752" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_d42ec8ab-f9a3-4e30-ae79-f4b717475752" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_2a833a09-f003-4749-980a-f4cf291f7786" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_2a833a09-f003-4749-980a-f4cf291f7786" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_18c5e3ea-88b0-46c1-bae8-dde193f2c365" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_18c5e3ea-88b0-46c1-bae8-dde193f2c365" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_f562a8cb-2024-46e9-8381-9c61f3875ca2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_f562a8cb-2024-46e9-8381-9c61f3875ca2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_155b1290-5893-434b-aeb5-183779b6e104" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_155b1290-5893-434b-aeb5-183779b6e104" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_b10ae35b-a489-4fe6-9bec-0c4d35a6df56" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_b10ae35b-a489-4fe6-9bec-0c4d35a6df56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_61bdf9c8-a5ef-48fb-846f-85d524996228" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_61bdf9c8-a5ef-48fb-846f-85d524996228" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_bc81e3f0-4eea-41e8-9080-54e65c6c47e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_bc81e3f0-4eea-41e8-9080-54e65c6c47e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_27b1373e-5554-4e64-bbe5-1d2f05210107" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_27b1373e-5554-4e64-bbe5-1d2f05210107" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_22f67964-bf01-41be-abbb-4598f8147e16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_22f67964-bf01-41be-abbb-4598f8147e16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_6a01e9b8-36e7-43bb-baba-e5c2e284d2d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_6a01e9b8-36e7-43bb-baba-e5c2e284d2d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_71e61bc9-6c29-4d6c-ab13-8c28ddf77705" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_71e61bc9-6c29-4d6c-ab13-8c28ddf77705" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_ca0f7764-f944-4a5c-be4d-0fc1b9016505" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_ca0f7764-f944-4a5c-be4d-0fc1b9016505" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d66349b4-2930-45b3-9a36-5c72ab0638eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d66349b4-2930-45b3-9a36-5c72ab0638eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_c760583d-6bb4-4f9c-8331-46b6f3712d85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_c760583d-6bb4-4f9c-8331-46b6f3712d85" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a08c83a6-86cc-49b0-b951-6c7a9c05d748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a08c83a6-86cc-49b0-b951-6c7a9c05d748" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_53388215-a27c-4346-9321-f4e79e7ef623" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_53388215-a27c-4346-9321-f4e79e7ef623" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_8e02867a-8f6b-411a-a6ce-d44eb88d3a36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_9df94e65-ad12-4a5c-a862-6d0cda2be998" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_8e02867a-8f6b-411a-a6ce-d44eb88d3a36" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedata" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedata"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedata" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9374d2d4-b463-42a2-b575-01430098b822" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9374d2d4-b463-42a2-b575-01430098b822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ae286ea5-90ce-49b3-a3f1-00b49c13f0ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_ae286ea5-90ce-49b3-a3f1-00b49c13f0ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_db24e96f-3dfc-4e07-9004-19d38a0f839a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_db24e96f-3dfc-4e07-9004-19d38a0f839a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_a810e6f0-3160-4074-96d4-6a5cb2a8ac72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_a810e6f0-3160-4074-96d4-6a5cb2a8ac72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_5368b529-528e-4e7e-839c-07e9bc3b3588" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_5368b529-528e-4e7e-839c-07e9bc3b3588" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_af3300b0-f367-42c0-b3f1-6ff9713afb86" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_cfdd70e2-70ff-4895-918f-65fc5979c9ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_af3300b0-f367-42c0-b3f1-6ff9713afb86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_55d25587-fe54-4bdf-ac9c-1a18e68f3fa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_55d25587-fe54-4bdf-ac9c-1a18e68f3fa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_b48c6804-b59f-47d4-ae1e-aa40d184a94d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_b48c6804-b59f-47d4-ae1e-aa40d184a94d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_4fed8c2e-38e0-4362-843d-d71c5d90f5fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnprovedOilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethod_4fed8c2e-38e0-4362-843d-d71c5d90f5fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WellsInProgress_53e63e38-9140-4e86-be9c-05b6602f24b9" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WellsInProgress"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_sm_WellsInProgress_53e63e38-9140-4e86-be9c-05b6602f24b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet_b234c8a9-0457-4a7b-85ae-dd05686e6dc5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet_b234c8a9-0457-4a7b-85ae-dd05686e6dc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_18d50281-d431-4296-9b16-733d33336574" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_43c2906c-3e06-4c9f-aeb5-6b2b528786da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_18d50281-d431-4296-9b16-733d33336574" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_f86e35ea-9b1e-4b85-a4b4-c652b607b3ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_f86e35ea-9b1e-4b85-a4b4-c652b607b3ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_967d9dac-4bed-4612-a236-056d079a5e81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_f86e35ea-9b1e-4b85-a4b4-c652b607b3ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_967d9dac-4bed-4612-a236-056d079a5e81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_dda0c1a8-c129-4c9c-a1cd-731824d5ff58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_f86e35ea-9b1e-4b85-a4b4-c652b607b3ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_dda0c1a8-c129-4c9c-a1cd-731824d5ff58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_fdcfa9ec-7b0e-43da-b6cf-4835da37e0b1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_f86e35ea-9b1e-4b85-a4b4-c652b607b3ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment_fdcfa9ec-7b0e-43da-b6cf-4835da37e0b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5607e119-6963-4c6e-b088-b252ad5972b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5607e119-6963-4c6e-b088-b252ad5972b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_aa476712-d916-40ee-aa50-6d2b6401aeec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_d3ea0a99-4dcc-4062-ac12-8ec5031ef023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_aa476712-d916-40ee-aa50-6d2b6401aeec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9374d2d4-b463-42a2-b575-01430098b822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_35c3bae0-5f39-47f0-8ef5-ba9839e2e1f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_35c3bae0-5f39-47f0-8ef5-ba9839e2e1f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_ccd6780a-3773-4c67-965a-5b05000974c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_ccd6780a-3773-4c67-965a-5b05000974c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_090cbc70-488e-48fc-9e8a-6af938587359" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_090cbc70-488e-48fc-9e8a-6af938587359" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_612d90b3-94a8-4fd7-90af-b2d3582aff4d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_132dbde4-f433-44cd-a07a-4d6808b5a0bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_612d90b3-94a8-4fd7-90af-b2d3582aff4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_0f3e24b5-d76e-4d86-bfa3-b65daf18ca57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_0f3e24b5-d76e-4d86-bfa3-b65daf18ca57" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_e4a3b00f-6351-4d51-a370-66281acb136a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_e4a3b00f-6351-4d51-a370-66281acb136a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_4ae0c638-84e3-4da6-852b-22747110deb3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_4ae0c638-84e3-4da6-852b-22747110deb3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_5492f8b4-3191-4c89-bac2-a2c1aa618400" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_5492f8b4-3191-4c89-bac2-a2c1aa618400" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_eb48a037-c6be-4fad-84f5-ef889645b33b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_eb48a037-c6be-4fad-84f5-ef889645b33b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_d4e55b4d-50c7-497a-881f-a11df848dc7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_d4e55b4d-50c7-497a-881f-a11df848dc7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_3750aadf-5b4c-46cf-938d-4981fcbfae0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_3e9393a6-871f-49af-9486-0674343e73b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_3750aadf-5b4c-46cf-938d-4981fcbfae0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_a44141c1-53d4-482e-ab57-55d4b1a995e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_a44141c1-53d4-482e-ab57-55d4b1a995e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_042137ca-2050-4f4d-9dfa-f3bb49fb73c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_c796e870-a792-4c1a-a14d-7e18d26b4290" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_c796e870-a792-4c1a-a14d-7e18d26b4290" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_514e8d59-5c14-4dd3-9485-6c2eabe3e740" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_514e8d59-5c14-4dd3-9485-6c2eabe3e740" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1fbaddfd-1f75-4d81-80cb-c14410b4e526" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1fbaddfd-1f75-4d81-80cb-c14410b4e526" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7b0cd7ec-e134-440b-9ca5-e3bee7e55c8e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7b0cd7ec-e134-440b-9ca5-e3bee7e55c8e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_d675e601-e3ab-4ebe-bb2e-f936baaaac74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_d675e601-e3ab-4ebe-bb2e-f936baaaac74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_07a4766a-917a-4d5d-8fa5-3835b1aa0e5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_07a4766a-917a-4d5d-8fa5-3835b1aa0e5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f8983de1-e102-49b1-b446-9a01ab66810a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f8983de1-e102-49b1-b446-9a01ab66810a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3fade696-3f1b-4198-8cba-565cc0c50bff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_3fade696-3f1b-4198-8cba-565cc0c50bff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_4fd867e4-12f6-4469-b452-9007b06c08f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_4fd867e4-12f6-4469-b452-9007b06c08f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9962b283-e2e8-4087-ab7a-f86c53c1a268" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_8205c822-b345-4fd2-b73e-f97574867ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9962b283-e2e8-4087-ab7a-f86c53c1a268" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptpersharedata" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptpersharedata"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONSUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptpersharedata" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_82c5ede4-f273-4007-b675-613f00945e36" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_82c5ede4-f273-4007-b675-613f00945e36" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_3498946a-8cc5-4239-965e-2ec3f719e199" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_3498946a-8cc5-4239-965e-2ec3f719e199" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome_4e9014c9-1ef3-42bc-8124-9dc53f7af593" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome_4e9014c9-1ef3-42bc-8124-9dc53f7af593" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3f86a087-4c14-4f87-bce0-1592f659b8dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_71a9119b-4f20-455f-b71c-035c378d872c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3f86a087-4c14-4f87-bce0-1592f659b8dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_23a499b7-da3a-44a5-a26c-e0c989e11964" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_23a499b7-da3a-44a5-a26c-e0c989e11964" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_c7f68462-68fb-4383-9586-7a4825ad67c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_c7f68462-68fb-4383-9586-7a4825ad67c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_d858f981-a467-4ea7-a70a-b396d8c09919" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_d858f981-a467-4ea7-a70a-b396d8c09919" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_bc4cd4ab-edf9-4f93-88ff-1734c557c662" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_bc4cd4ab-edf9-4f93-88ff-1734c557c662" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_7dc098a3-f321-456a-8b25-9b82b8b58ac4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_7dc098a3-f321-456a-8b25-9b82b8b58ac4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_39f78f9f-caf1-4bfd-bbcc-a0cbb8e94d1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_39f78f9f-caf1-4bfd-bbcc-a0cbb8e94d1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_bc9135c3-1706-4db4-a5cf-e8cf6c200141" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_bc9135c3-1706-4db4-a5cf-e8cf6c200141" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_b42b9f88-3806-4249-a70b-a4601918ad38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_42956080-0248-46ee-baec-0b5fafbe70be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_b42b9f88-3806-4249-a70b-a4601918ad38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_728b75d0-36af-4075-94f4-243330688285" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_728b75d0-36af-4075-94f4-243330688285" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1ca4d511-1c8b-4e68-8e3e-7cd718359eb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1ca4d511-1c8b-4e68-8e3e-7cd718359eb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_f7178205-c06d-401e-8eaf-d2e9a287914f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_f7178205-c06d-401e-8eaf-d2e9a287914f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_8f8b4f8f-d544-4fdd-97d9-77dfdb3fe4bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_8f8b4f8f-d544-4fdd-97d9-77dfdb3fe4bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_344f72fa-2669-4905-878e-3ba917a92015" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_344f72fa-2669-4905-878e-3ba917a92015" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ef472ca1-b12e-4aaf-854f-8216ea2be56f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ef472ca1-b12e-4aaf-854f-8216ea2be56f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6b34fd94-ab4e-429f-aa47-405ae89b5efc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6b34fd94-ab4e-429f-aa47-405ae89b5efc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_e1148a0a-0a23-4f63-a250-cc16b090ac67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_e1148a0a-0a23-4f63-a250-cc16b090ac67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_1e2c4cfe-60b4-4366-8b1a-369f7c2f6ed4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_1e2c4cfe-60b4-4366-8b1a-369f7c2f6ed4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_c4df0a37-c349-4b9e-b116-bb0c836914fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_c4df0a37-c349-4b9e-b116-bb0c836914fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_db249013-3e56-4364-aba5-7b84617176bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_db249013-3e56-4364-aba5-7b84617176bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_33fc6835-ebd5-4292-99ca-5f94c22be21d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_ce8062e7-5864-4cf9-bbfb-e374352fbe1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_33fc6835-ebd5-4292-99ca-5f94c22be21d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSSUNAUDITEDinthousands" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSSUNAUDITEDinthousands"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSSUNAUDITEDinthousands" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_f3cebb7a-bb5d-465f-90fc-9e8306b5acd1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_f7d6edc9-a217-4551-80e5-b4dd33d0c3bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_f3cebb7a-bb5d-465f-90fc-9e8306b5acd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_f7d6edc9-a217-4551-80e5-b4dd33d0c3bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_37c67362-72d3-4c5e-9220-f80e2edcd19c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_f3cebb7a-bb5d-465f-90fc-9e8306b5acd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_37c67362-72d3-4c5e-9220-f80e2edcd19c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_5668c3c0-8ff0-4338-8393-1d1b7ea571d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_37c67362-72d3-4c5e-9220-f80e2edcd19c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_5668c3c0-8ff0-4338-8393-1d1b7ea571d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8d0d7bcf-6b3b-4031-b421-69e1c12d7ae1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_37c67362-72d3-4c5e-9220-f80e2edcd19c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8d0d7bcf-6b3b-4031-b421-69e1c12d7ae1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_ef3f260c-4e0f-4d48-bb5d-9a1f3345c3bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_37c67362-72d3-4c5e-9220-f80e2edcd19c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_ef3f260c-4e0f-4d48-bb5d-9a1f3345c3bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedataanddividendspershare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedataanddividendspershare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYUNAUDITEDinthousandsexceptsharedataanddividendspershare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_b37b9ee3-5607-4cf0-a792-43c0df9cef1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_35eceaf3-c7f1-4bea-8bb4-d2634315ed99" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_b37b9ee3-5607-4cf0-a792-43c0df9cef1e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_35eceaf3-c7f1-4bea-8bb4-d2634315ed99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1dcc7605-12a9-476c-86c5-c3c09145e127" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_35eceaf3-c7f1-4bea-8bb4-d2634315ed99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1dcc7605-12a9-476c-86c5-c3c09145e127" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1dcc7605-12a9-476c-86c5-c3c09145e127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_40eecae9-72ac-45b6-a889-237979daeaca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_40eecae9-72ac-45b6-a889-237979daeaca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_013ca2e1-d4b0-43f9-aa09-3f685356e74a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_013ca2e1-d4b0-43f9-aa09-3f685356e74a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_8107c513-f487-4f55-9cc0-7b8499074d02" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_8107c513-f487-4f55-9cc0-7b8499074d02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0beea119-84bc-4a6d-9baf-27026789f8fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_759038f6-7847-418a-b810-edabceb12180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0beea119-84bc-4a6d-9baf-27026789f8fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cae7a409-2e5e-42eb-8ad6-68105408e725" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_35eceaf3-c7f1-4bea-8bb4-d2634315ed99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cae7a409-2e5e-42eb-8ad6-68105408e725" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_4f483f34-2b84-4abf-9902-23e6d487ce75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cae7a409-2e5e-42eb-8ad6-68105408e725" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_4f483f34-2b84-4abf-9902-23e6d487ce75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cae7a409-2e5e-42eb-8ad6-68105408e725" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_34eadf2f-ebff-41d8-8874-2743cf48c113" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_34eadf2f-ebff-41d8-8874-2743cf48c113" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_b5354308-f91a-4f06-8c1e-062b82b4d310" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_b5354308-f91a-4f06-8c1e-062b82b4d310" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b6fff1ca-0c54-478b-8420-6539dff86b53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b6fff1ca-0c54-478b-8420-6539dff86b53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6cfd23bd-750e-4b0c-9ffb-f6bf83df6fac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6cfd23bd-750e-4b0c-9ffb-f6bf83df6fac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_b3fd2fcd-b62c-4f2e-aeea-b3e08400cdcf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_b3fd2fcd-b62c-4f2e-aeea-b3e08400cdcf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits_7187e4b1-d72e-4bd2-922c-2513f441a1bb" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits_7187e4b1-d72e-4bd2-922c-2513f441a1bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits_722d0dfb-4e2f-45fd-bed0-80d8f3931b07" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_sm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceShareUnits_722d0dfb-4e2f-45fd-bed0-80d8f3931b07" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_53aede48-a015-4f29-b299-af5e0701ced9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_53aede48-a015-4f29-b299-af5e0701ced9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_ee421c23-5309-45e7-a926-23cf065c94b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_ee421c23-5309-45e7-a926-23cf065c94b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_cd0538f0-02e6-4e5e-8531-0479b736c1fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_cd0538f0-02e6-4e5e-8531-0479b736c1fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_9f95bc94-9883-448e-83de-bb247dd8691a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_9f95bc94-9883-448e-83de-bb247dd8691a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_c7762322-fc90-41d3-89d1-8d12207d564a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_c7762322-fc90-41d3-89d1-8d12207d564a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_58bc72e0-06dc-49ec-b5b5-abf5537347f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_58bc72e0-06dc-49ec-b5b5-abf5537347f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_ab3425bb-b921-4bb5-ae56-c12415689941" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_ab3425bb-b921-4bb5-ae56-c12415689941" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_09e72db1-546d-45a9-b0d7-c73277cf8aa6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_2a4df2f7-e5e4-4ddd-aea6-5cf58456ac7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_09e72db1-546d-45a9-b0d7-c73277cf8aa6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUNAUDITEDinthousands" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUNAUDITEDinthousands"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWSUNAUDITEDinthousands" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_aef4de55-ee38-422b-9555-6567335f45b3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_aef4de55-ee38-422b-9555-6567335f45b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_ab0e8e04-5133-41bd-ae9c-d4df12ddf37a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_aef4de55-ee38-422b-9555-6567335f45b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_ab0e8e04-5133-41bd-ae9c-d4df12ddf37a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_3d5c7b38-f339-4700-822c-87724361e36f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOilAndGasProperty_3d5c7b38-f339-4700-822c-87724361e36f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_cec611bf-0768-4d7e-a4cd-e7aec0d45d42" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResultsOfOperationsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationAndAccretion_cec611bf-0768-4d7e-a4cd-e7aec0d45d42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_e68ef899-3b9b-46fa-af97-1616f7a061e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_e68ef899-3b9b-46fa-af97-1616f7a061e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_501b41b2-25db-4cad-8dcf-dd873d0f4088" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_501b41b2-25db-4cad-8dcf-dd873d0f4088" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_1547446e-2e33-4f1a-9ae6-360af1294636" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_1547446e-2e33-4f1a-9ae6-360af1294636" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_CashPortionOfGainLossOnDerivativeInstrument_905a7e74-84a5-45c1-aafb-b78393d651ff" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_CashPortionOfGainLossOnDerivativeInstrument"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_sm_CashPortionOfGainLossOnDerivativeInstrument_905a7e74-84a5-45c1-aafb-b78393d651ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_4eb1195b-4a72-47cd-920d-b6a8156984ed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_4eb1195b-4a72-47cd-920d-b6a8156984ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_588de885-d48d-409f-953a-00f4cbcf8ed2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_588de885-d48d-409f-953a-00f4cbcf8ed2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4f27017d-3035-471e-80d9-0d0f6b44490b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4f27017d-3035-471e-80d9-0d0f6b44490b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_ac328846-57ca-4084-8abf-52468e1f7e97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_ac328846-57ca-4084-8abf-52468e1f7e97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital_c53c2d83-ed09-4c16-92ca-9e63b3d6e4c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_571bfe56-3142-464b-bc1f-c6e5616b4d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital_c53c2d83-ed09-4c16-92ca-9e63b3d6e4c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_16bf8c42-5301-442d-befc-f39799a5b400" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_16bf8c42-5301-442d-befc-f39799a5b400" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_133442c9-b50a-4b9c-97f2-c1af58ec176b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_133442c9-b50a-4b9c-97f2-c1af58ec176b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_3457412c-0fb5-46b6-a070-b1bf59e9cd89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_133442c9-b50a-4b9c-97f2-c1af58ec176b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_3457412c-0fb5-46b6-a070-b1bf59e9cd89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToExploreAndDevelopOilAndGasProperties_01a80827-099b-4d11-aa44-6c851bcb08d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToExploreAndDevelopOilAndGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_133442c9-b50a-4b9c-97f2-c1af58ec176b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToExploreAndDevelopOilAndGasProperties_01a80827-099b-4d11-aa44-6c851bcb08d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_0e91d259-bf07-4b06-bdb3-81a0c69fb247" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_133442c9-b50a-4b9c-97f2-c1af58ec176b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_0e91d259-bf07-4b06-bdb3-81a0c69fb247" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_375673ce-c9bc-4270-9eea-678d7cfac632" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_375673ce-c9bc-4270-9eea-678d7cfac632" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_64bc61dd-f9b9-4b2f-97f2-01e581b2ea28" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_64bc61dd-f9b9-4b2f-97f2-01e581b2ea28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_020b4fc0-8a4e-4325-8aea-56c664f00422" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_020b4fc0-8a4e-4325-8aea-56c664f00422" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_5f210b62-3d9e-4d4e-875f-1da0bf20645d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_5f210b62-3d9e-4d4e-875f-1da0bf20645d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSeniorDebt_0121ccd7-7108-4d16-b324-57c453663d89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSeniorDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSeniorDebt_0121ccd7-7108-4d16-b324-57c453663d89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt_ce076094-8ee2-4c7c-a7bc-60531695a291" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt_ce076094-8ee2-4c7c-a7bc-60531695a291" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_544c8faa-41fa-42fa-8de5-6832024b854c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_544c8faa-41fa-42fa-8de5-6832024b854c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_123fcc9c-fd95-41f0-8d1c-403bd880b0e8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_123fcc9c-fd95-41f0-8d1c-403bd880b0e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_2b597efa-bf27-4857-bf9a-89676cb2556f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0756e081-fd78-46e9-8f7b-4f9ef449ba0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_2b597efa-bf27-4857-bf9a-89676cb2556f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_618fb9fe-6ae8-4f22-84fe-9b6163b416eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_618fb9fe-6ae8-4f22-84fe-9b6163b416eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_d4af5ed4-5447-4bb8-aa32-2789bbca8279" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_d4af5ed4-5447-4bb8-aa32-2789bbca8279" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations_0a0f8a28-9227-4bbd-b319-ee4697321e57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations_0a0f8a28-9227-4bbd-b319-ee4697321e57" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations_88619184-f6df-4230-ab8b-264836ff889c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations_88619184-f6df-4230-ab8b-264836ff889c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f18c8241-f4b1-4100-ad5e-26c39869e698" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f18c8241-f4b1-4100-ad5e-26c39869e698" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationOperatingActivitiesAbstract_cb3da7b8-a82d-4045-9fd7-40460f26e5a3" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f18c8241-f4b1-4100-ad5e-26c39869e698" xlink:to="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationOperatingActivitiesAbstract_cb3da7b8-a82d-4045-9fd7-40460f26e5a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_836e1752-1ff6-4f3e-aa9d-91a8889659a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationOperatingActivitiesAbstract_cb3da7b8-a82d-4045-9fd7-40460f26e5a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_836e1752-1ff6-4f3e-aa9d-91a8889659a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationInvestingActivitiesAbstract_0f7fd3d8-b598-4a3f-a9dd-be247d7f428f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f18c8241-f4b1-4100-ad5e-26c39869e698" xlink:to="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationInvestingActivitiesAbstract_0f7fd3d8-b598-4a3f-a9dd-be247d7f428f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ChangeInCapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_a4c9a072-398a-425d-b63e-1d19deae315f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ChangeInCapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationInvestingActivitiesAbstract_0f7fd3d8-b598-4a3f-a9dd-be247d7f428f" xlink:to="loc_sm_ChangeInCapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_a4c9a072-398a-425d-b63e-1d19deae315f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_186baed5-2908-408e-9515-70fa38f2dced" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_f18c8241-f4b1-4100-ad5e-26c39869e698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_186baed5-2908-408e-9515-70fa38f2dced" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesText_dedee456-161c-4c1a-9c66-b25db0012911" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesText"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_186baed5-2908-408e-9515-70fa38f2dced" xlink:to="loc_sm_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesText_dedee456-161c-4c1a-9c66-b25db0012911" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7938131a-35e4-4a24-8256-0436370f5fab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7938131a-35e4-4a24-8256-0436370f5fab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashNoncurrent_fac73aa8-ae5d-41e3-8c10-6121ceb3474d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_e2e2d04b-345f-4766-8b9c-f61c2d04f183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashNoncurrent_fac73aa8-ae5d-41e3-8c10-6121ceb3474d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_a24b4eee-e220-447c-be7c-e72ca02910b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_6f483b2d-2206-49cd-8987-4ae6ed162ba8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_a24b4eee-e220-447c-be7c-e72ca02910b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_6f483b2d-2206-49cd-8987-4ae6ed162ba8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_e150734b-3fac-447d-ae43-148940b5ca99" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_e150734b-3fac-447d-ae43-148940b5ca99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3530404f-fad1-4117-a394-cb2fbc35c346" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3530404f-fad1-4117-a394-cb2fbc35c346" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_8e169ae2-82cd-4419-af73-b6a6d4f61d5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_8e169ae2-82cd-4419-af73-b6a6d4f61d5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment_64dd65c5-4d62-47ec-a689-1026eb9068b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment_64dd65c5-4d62-47ec-a689-1026eb9068b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_b5588b79-46e6-491c-8421-a3e69c7611c5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_469336bd-2fd2-4ddd-b386-24c525d5f305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_b5588b79-46e6-491c-8421-a3e69c7611c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomers" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomers"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomers" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_5b479857-d2da-49e9-be47-62128047b121" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_e9613edf-1e2c-457b-aa7e-e14f26cf9c40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_5b479857-d2da-49e9-be47-62128047b121" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_e9613edf-1e2c-457b-aa7e-e14f26cf9c40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_2226a920-4d61-4e13-8ed1-8d7b460a2ccb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_50279cca-3b36-40d6-8f96-fe8d6fa683d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_2226a920-4d61-4e13-8ed1-8d7b460a2ccb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_50279cca-3b36-40d6-8f96-fe8d6fa683d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DisaggregationofoilgasandNGLproductionrevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DisaggregationofoilgasandNGLproductionrevenueDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DisaggregationofoilgasandNGLproductionrevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_59dae2a4-3b18-4636-8827-019a4bde3455" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_59dae2a4-3b18-4636-8827-019a4bde3455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_dc019f7d-1d9f-4761-b1b6-faa6eccb597b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_dc019f7d-1d9f-4761-b1b6-faa6eccb597b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_0f405606-3d96-4e88-83ac-847f379661bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_dc019f7d-1d9f-4761-b1b6-faa6eccb597b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_0f405606-3d96-4e88-83ac-847f379661bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_33687ce0-3a89-4dc5-b300-baf92d78e65c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_0f405606-3d96-4e88-83ac-847f379661bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_33687ce0-3a89-4dc5-b300-baf92d78e65c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_a66cef7a-d3c4-4f2f-a38b-cf31160a2fc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_a66cef7a-d3c4-4f2f-a38b-cf31160a2fc2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_c23b0510-2f8f-4396-b8de-69b0d0c5eac9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_a66cef7a-d3c4-4f2f-a38b-cf31160a2fc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_c23b0510-2f8f-4396-b8de-69b0d0c5eac9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_b3a018ef-93dd-470c-81ab-827784425a0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_c23b0510-2f8f-4396-b8de-69b0d0c5eac9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_b3a018ef-93dd-470c-81ab-827784425a0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8749721b-ebab-4170-bcee-1513308a0b74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8749721b-ebab-4170-bcee-1513308a0b74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_afa3efa0-d3fb-4ecf-a6c8-9208ef684cca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8749721b-ebab-4170-bcee-1513308a0b74" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_afa3efa0-d3fb-4ecf-a6c8-9208ef684cca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_MidlandBasinMember_2de1c3c1-83eb-4c5b-9d19-7ff5d39af055" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_MidlandBasinMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_afa3efa0-d3fb-4ecf-a6c8-9208ef684cca" xlink:to="loc_sm_MidlandBasinMember_2de1c3c1-83eb-4c5b-9d19-7ff5d39af055" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SouthTexasMember_5763b78f-ffae-4c72-a967-9efe6d1a4b3a" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SouthTexasMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_afa3efa0-d3fb-4ecf-a6c8-9208ef684cca" xlink:to="loc_sm_SouthTexasMember_5763b78f-ffae-4c72-a967-9efe6d1a4b3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59ae616c-8104-4f09-a851-06ed10de673c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59ae616c-8104-4f09-a851-06ed10de673c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2b482c2a-41e2-4258-8815-2a023ea725bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_59ae616c-8104-4f09-a851-06ed10de673c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2b482c2a-41e2-4258-8815-2a023ea725bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilRevenueMember_0cf73059-fddf-425d-89cf-03ddcb7f44e8" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilRevenueMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2b482c2a-41e2-4258-8815-2a023ea725bf" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilRevenueMember_0cf73059-fddf-425d-89cf-03ddcb7f44e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NaturalGasRevenueMember_5e594bcf-cba6-4499-b518-6566938d7ba4" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NaturalGasRevenueMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2b482c2a-41e2-4258-8815-2a023ea725bf" xlink:to="loc_sm_NaturalGasRevenueMember_5e594bcf-cba6-4499-b518-6566938d7ba4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilandCondensateRevenueMember_219e2308-5ce4-4a4a-8b7b-71664037ed37" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilandCondensateRevenueMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2b482c2a-41e2-4258-8815-2a023ea725bf" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilandCondensateRevenueMember_219e2308-5ce4-4a4a-8b7b-71664037ed37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3e524372-8516-4493-ad7e-4151857172a4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_de626e5b-dc48-40a7-8662-fb09eac24028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3e524372-8516-4493-ad7e-4151857172a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_5438fb0b-82f7-4f83-b607-143873bed0a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3e524372-8516-4493-ad7e-4151857172a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_5438fb0b-82f7-4f83-b607-143873bed0a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_313cef1e-68dc-4fd9-9cad-312f8f80d6cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3e524372-8516-4493-ad7e-4151857172a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_313cef1e-68dc-4fd9-9cad-312f8f80d6cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_08a82126-0b86-4701-9d2c-640945db8257" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_59dae2a4-3b18-4636-8827-019a4bde3455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_08a82126-0b86-4701-9d2c-640945db8257" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/AccountsReceivablefromCustomersDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#AccountsReceivablefromCustomersDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/AccountsReceivablefromCustomersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AccountsReceivablefromCustomersAbstract_38a046a7-b967-45b2-a4b0-ae3ebc598242" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AccountsReceivablefromCustomersAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_44284267-3ae3-4336-99a7-0b021d12ee2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AccountsReceivablefromCustomersAbstract_38a046a7-b967-45b2-a4b0-ae3ebc598242" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_44284267-3ae3-4336-99a7-0b021d12ee2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_b8fd079e-cfd2-44bf-a68b-b7ef5f10d129" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_44284267-3ae3-4336-99a7-0b021d12ee2c" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_b8fd079e-cfd2-44bf-a68b-b7ef5f10d129" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_f3e50eff-8aee-4076-ab22-f940ba078025" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_b8fd079e-cfd2-44bf-a68b-b7ef5f10d129" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_f3e50eff-8aee-4076-ab22-f940ba078025" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_45c87f8e-adaa-4671-9981-41608643547e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f3e50eff-8aee-4076-ab22-f940ba078025" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_45c87f8e-adaa-4671-9981-41608643547e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e9ee124f-baaa-4fbe-af59-6df353c34621" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f3e50eff-8aee-4076-ab22-f940ba078025" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e9ee124f-baaa-4fbe-af59-6df353c34621" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_1ab842c3-a78c-4eb5-8b37-65c89c565c70" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_44284267-3ae3-4336-99a7-0b021d12ee2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_1ab842c3-a78c-4eb5-8b37-65c89c565c70" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c5651a74-199e-4361-84da-ccaf377b20ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_1ab842c3-a78c-4eb5-8b37-65c89c565c70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c5651a74-199e-4361-84da-ccaf377b20ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeReceivableMember_982e8183-ec76-4b20-9d23-c9bbab7141e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeReceivableMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c5651a74-199e-4361-84da-ccaf377b20ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeReceivableMember_982e8183-ec76-4b20-9d23-c9bbab7141e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_d4821d38-6220-4781-a741-dd95daa96e9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_44284267-3ae3-4336-99a7-0b021d12ee2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_d4821d38-6220-4781-a741-dd95daa96e9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_RevenueReceiptDaysAfterSale_87206ce8-f391-4f22-95b0-80ef799cc37f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_RevenueReceiptDaysAfterSale"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_d4821d38-6220-4781-a741-dd95daa96e9d" xlink:to="loc_sm_RevenueReceiptDaysAfterSale_87206ce8-f391-4f22-95b0-80ef799cc37f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6dbe3141-1b4a-4d0e-8f99-36f69c1fa05d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_d4821d38-6220-4781-a741-dd95daa96e9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6dbe3141-1b4a-4d0e-8f99-36f69c1fa05d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract_aaeb696a-7ca2-4496-9ca9-9088f3aba228" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AcquisitionsDivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleTextBlock_2e46ee88-bc56-43e7-a875-2fb91c5750f3" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AcquisitionsDivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract_aaeb696a-7ca2-4496-9ca9-9088f3aba228" xlink:to="loc_sm_AcquisitionsDivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleTextBlock_2e46ee88-bc56-43e7-a875-2fb91c5750f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DivestituresandAssetsHeldforSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract_c9c3aab0-5848-49b0-9c5c-5ee889d0ec06" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_52152027-3f63-4406-9c25-6c481494c365" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DivestituresAssetsHeldforSaleandAcquisitionsAbstract_c9c3aab0-5848-49b0-9c5c-5ee889d0ec06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_52152027-3f63-4406-9c25-6c481494c365" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/NonmonetaryTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#NonmonetaryTransactionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/NonmonetaryTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract_9a373f19-4945-485f-9496-06b7a998c66a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NonmonetaryTradeAcreageExchanged_fbc175a5-f9ad-4655-bf07-3acc57505f7e" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NonmonetaryTradeAcreageExchanged"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract_9a373f19-4945-485f-9496-06b7a998c66a" xlink:to="loc_sm_NonmonetaryTradeAcreageExchanged_fbc175a5-f9ad-4655-bf07-3acc57505f7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_6d95ac8a-b981-4079-b787-96ddf29e168a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract_9a373f19-4945-485f-9496-06b7a998c66a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_6d95ac8a-b981-4079-b787-96ddf29e168a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionBasisOfAccountingForAssetsTransferred_50318de3-805d-4d7e-863e-2d0b0b807b66" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionBasisOfAccountingForAssetsTransferred"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract_9a373f19-4945-485f-9496-06b7a998c66a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionBasisOfAccountingForAssetsTransferred_50318de3-805d-4d7e-863e-2d0b0b807b66" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionGainLossRecognizedOnTransfer_7047b828-bddd-4339-92c4-9d90535684ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionGainLossRecognizedOnTransfer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionsAbstract_9a373f19-4945-485f-9496-06b7a998c66a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonmonetaryTransactionGainLossRecognizedOnTransfer_7047b828-bddd-4339-92c4-9d90535684ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#AcquisitionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract_14b077b6-b79c-4a3b-8a7f-043a34154c92" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionTable_7f2c1715-e46b-451c-807e-5f9536b1efb9" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AssetAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionsAbstract_14b077b6-b79c-4a3b-8a7f-043a34154c92" xlink:to="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionTable_7f2c1715-e46b-451c-807e-5f9536b1efb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionAxis_e0cb4958-2dd5-49fd-85b2-132f0e5dff5d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AssetAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionTable_7f2c1715-e46b-451c-807e-5f9536b1efb9" xlink:to="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionAxis_e0cb4958-2dd5-49fd-85b2-132f0e5dff5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionDomain_f49789c6-a382-4a69-b259-c596c73d427a" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AssetAcquisitionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionAxis_e0cb4958-2dd5-49fd-85b2-132f0e5dff5d" xlink:to="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionDomain_f49789c6-a382-4a69-b259-c596c73d427a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_Q32020MartinCountyAssetAcquisitionMember_bf51bfca-4703-401e-8075-2aa15bee3fea" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_Q32020MartinCountyAssetAcquisitionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionDomain_f49789c6-a382-4a69-b259-c596c73d427a" xlink:to="loc_sm_Q32020MartinCountyAssetAcquisitionMember_bf51bfca-4703-401e-8075-2aa15bee3fea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionLineItems_dcfe9464-ee63-40cb-9d76-2a37288507ad" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AssetAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionTable_7f2c1715-e46b-451c-807e-5f9536b1efb9" xlink:to="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionLineItems_dcfe9464-ee63-40cb-9d76-2a37288507ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NetAcresAcquired_bcdd6c3f-d305-464e-82f6-afaa91eaa7c5" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NetAcresAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionLineItems_dcfe9464-ee63-40cb-9d76-2a37288507ad" xlink:to="loc_sm_NetAcresAcquired_bcdd6c3f-d305-464e-82f6-afaa91eaa7c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_de102c0a-adef-4560-987d-1a0ff1b70e9b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_AssetAcquisitionLineItems_dcfe9464-ee63-40cb-9d76-2a37288507ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment_de102c0a-adef-4560-987d-1a0ff1b70e9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#IncomeTaxes"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_af19bbe1-929c-430c-8c6d-86143ccd8738" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_6f5ac424-0573-47d6-b963-6c1712dc4c6f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_af19bbe1-929c-430c-8c6d-86143ccd8738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_6f5ac424-0573-47d6-b963-6c1712dc4c6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_daa373c4-d86e-43c8-930c-e6ef96ce9874" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_6fc98741-f72d-4cd8-958d-36db347fa17f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_daa373c4-d86e-43c8-930c-e6ef96ce9874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_6fc98741-f72d-4cd8-958d-36db347fa17f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_10da4534-3f86-4f4a-85a0-f94a6746110c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_10da4534-3f86-4f4a-85a0-f94a6746110c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_6c980e1e-b39d-4c7a-8b3d-6d9667ebea13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_6c980e1e-b39d-4c7a-8b3d-6d9667ebea13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_7a867d4d-18dd-4728-98dd-9cfa05e9aa0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_7a867d4d-18dd-4728-98dd-9cfa05e9aa0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3508f8dd-edfd-4759-94e5-ea1373969cac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3508f8dd-edfd-4759-94e5-ea1373969cac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a6145cc5-1944-437e-867a-865e55fc8abf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a6145cc5-1944-437e-867a-865e55fc8abf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_044231dd-8744-43ee-ad38-e4dec8c73a0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_044231dd-8744-43ee-ad38-e4dec8c73a0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_IncomeTaxesRefundAlternativeMinimumTaxCARESAct_7a8c85ea-b0f4-4ee0-a036-be503847c9fc" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_IncomeTaxesRefundAlternativeMinimumTaxCARESAct"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_596d43fc-000e-42ef-ac34-d530937271b5" xlink:to="loc_sm_IncomeTaxesRefundAlternativeMinimumTaxCARESAct_7a8c85ea-b0f4-4ee0-a036-be503847c9fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#LongTermDebt"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_afeedfba-b115-4aa0-86a6-b3f1d47e34bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_919f7919-a222-4da2-afaf-32fdbff1b2c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_afeedfba-b115-4aa0-86a6-b3f1d47e34bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_919f7919-a222-4da2-afaf-32fdbff1b2c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#LongTermDebtTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_c108d116-ceab-45a4-81bc-789e7726faa8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_c108d116-ceab-45a4-81bc-789e7726faa8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSeniorNotesTenderedTableTextBlock_4b297fbb-c09d-4b83-ba96-b53c9f174690" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSeniorNotesTenderedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSeniorNotesTenderedTableTextBlock_4b297fbb-c09d-4b83-ba96-b53c9f174690" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ScheduleOfBorrowingBaseUtilizationTableTextBlock_7e151c42-c38f-4ff5-9bf9-2fdb439e875c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ScheduleOfBorrowingBaseUtilizationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_sm_ScheduleOfBorrowingBaseUtilizationTableTextBlock_7e151c42-c38f-4ff5-9bf9-2fdb439e875c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLineOfCreditFacilitiesTextBlock_abaaa2b0-cf62-443a-8aed-3fcd497a03c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLineOfCreditFacilitiesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLineOfCreditFacilitiesTextBlock_abaaa2b0-cf62-443a-8aed-3fcd497a03c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSecuredTableTextBlock_1669d45c-76ad-404c-b5b7-f83696de5e6d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSecuredTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsSecuredTableTextBlock_1669d45c-76ad-404c-b5b7-f83696de5e6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsUnsecuredTableTextBlock_1f3834d2-ff38-4ddb-a681-f1652be11c21" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsUnsecuredTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a7be5f83-c485-4be6-9695-297b395fad8c" xlink:to="loc_sm_ScheduleOfLongTermDebtInstrumentsUnsecuredTableTextBlock_1f3834d2-ff38-4ddb-a681-f1652be11c21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#LongTermDebtDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4822439f-f48f-4d8c-b716-aeb0160bdb13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_15a2168d-ce7d-47c6-831c-18566f37b761" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4822439f-f48f-4d8c-b716-aeb0160bdb13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_15a2168d-ce7d-47c6-831c-18566f37b761" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ced634da-3c5d-411d-8ee6-8450ffcb0d77" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_15a2168d-ce7d-47c6-831c-18566f37b761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ced634da-3c5d-411d-8ee6-8450ffcb0d77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_71dae080-b4c9-4a73-90a0-63e5456e9f5b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ced634da-3c5d-411d-8ee6-8450ffcb0d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_71dae080-b4c9-4a73-90a0-63e5456e9f5b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SeniorSecuredNotesSeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_767cf152-5a33-4e0b-93c0-5253bb07faf6" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SeniorSecuredNotesSeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_71dae080-b4c9-4a73-90a0-63e5456e9f5b" xlink:to="loc_sm_SeniorSecuredNotesSeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_767cf152-5a33-4e0b-93c0-5253bb07faf6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6810cd73-7171-4ee5-975e-8f25f8598834" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_15a2168d-ce7d-47c6-831c-18566f37b761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6810cd73-7171-4ee5-975e-8f25f8598834" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_LongTermLineOfCreditAndSeniorNotesNoncurrent_f4b60a94-fe19-4d1e-b1b0-82f8fe54cda8" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_LongTermLineOfCreditAndSeniorNotesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6810cd73-7171-4ee5-975e-8f25f8598834" xlink:to="loc_sm_LongTermLineOfCreditAndSeniorNotesNoncurrent_f4b60a94-fe19-4d1e-b1b0-82f8fe54cda8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_00f10475-3d25-4025-bec0-5b04cae3cd48" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6810cd73-7171-4ee5-975e-8f25f8598834" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_00f10475-3d25-4025-bec0-5b04cae3cd48" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevolvingCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#RevolvingCreditFacilityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/RevolvingCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_f0a4d502-75e4-41d8-9781-84a6dc866b85" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_f0a4d502-75e4-41d8-9781-84a6dc866b85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_97eb150e-bcd9-40f1-a16c-79a205947da4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_97eb150e-bcd9-40f1-a16c-79a205947da4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_68d5fb8e-c2a7-4b12-a616-808f2f2a4285" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_97eb150e-bcd9-40f1-a16c-79a205947da4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_68d5fb8e-c2a7-4b12-a616-808f2f2a4285" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_f601b9f2-12f4-4943-8c66-4a5469bb3ce8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_68d5fb8e-c2a7-4b12-a616-808f2f2a4285" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_f601b9f2-12f4-4943-8c66-4a5469bb3ce8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrimeRateMember_2078a0f1-ce1e-464b-ad6f-1b7d7885252f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrimeRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_68d5fb8e-c2a7-4b12-a616-808f2f2a4285" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrimeRateMember_2078a0f1-ce1e-464b-ad6f-1b7d7885252f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageAxis_48dca97c-e231-4590-82cf-43b59faab9df" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageAxis_48dca97c-e231-4590-82cf-43b59faab9df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageAxis_48dca97c-e231-4590-82cf-43b59faab9df" xlink:to="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOfLessThan25PercentMember_609f9099-e5d3-4a80-9e8a-f24ee2570a6f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOfLessThan25PercentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:to="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOfLessThan25PercentMember_609f9099-e5d3-4a80-9e8a-f24ee2570a6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf25PercentOrMoreButLessThan50PercentMember_e9a90379-1e2b-44f7-a9e5-62715a40cc2d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf25PercentOrMoreButLessThan50PercentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:to="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf25PercentOrMoreButLessThan50PercentMember_e9a90379-1e2b-44f7-a9e5-62715a40cc2d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf50PercentOrMoreButLessThan75PercentMember_03769edf-a45c-4133-95eb-585199c7dddf" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf50PercentOrMoreButLessThan75PercentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:to="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf50PercentOrMoreButLessThan75PercentMember_03769edf-a45c-4133-95eb-585199c7dddf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf75PercentOrMoreButLessThan90PercentMember_5cde139b-e6c9-4461-9624-468e2908bbe2" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf75PercentOrMoreButLessThan90PercentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:to="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf75PercentOrMoreButLessThan90PercentMember_5cde139b-e6c9-4461-9624-468e2908bbe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf90PercentOrMoreMember_3f497ff9-d95e-4f7c-b7c0-d9513a6e8bd8" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf90PercentOrMoreMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseUtilizationPercentageDomain_154f5b4f-24cc-46b9-ac04-31688096e5ea" xlink:to="loc_sm_BorrowingBaseUtilizationOf90PercentOrMoreMember_3f497ff9-d95e-4f7c-b7c0-d9513a6e8bd8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_af364509-b81b-42ce-a82e-5b178ca7cf67" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_af364509-b81b-42ce-a82e-5b178ca7cf67" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_be3165e9-9b0c-4565-9664-f76c181ff244" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_af364509-b81b-42ce-a82e-5b178ca7cf67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_be3165e9-9b0c-4565-9664-f76c181ff244" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_63dfd491-a0b4-4ac4-b987-dfd70d0958d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_be3165e9-9b0c-4565-9664-f76c181ff244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_63dfd491-a0b4-4ac4-b987-dfd70d0958d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3849c407-12d7-4719-9ea9-66993d0c98e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3849c407-12d7-4719-9ea9-66993d0c98e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0a417879-2a4f-4e9b-a77e-897b87eef96c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_3849c407-12d7-4719-9ea9-66993d0c98e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0a417879-2a4f-4e9b-a77e-897b87eef96c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_d9e789bd-2cbd-4d97-9303-ca6be00ab1dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0a417879-2a4f-4e9b-a77e-897b87eef96c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_d9e789bd-2cbd-4d97-9303-ca6be00ab1dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c8638118-536d-4b3f-b07d-20d8b3fcb6d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c8638118-536d-4b3f-b07d-20d8b3fcb6d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_40f2f70e-8ddc-4a92-86bf-f50834b36251" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c8638118-536d-4b3f-b07d-20d8b3fcb6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_40f2f70e-8ddc-4a92-86bf-f50834b36251" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_f720e986-efe6-4a11-97e6-852fb5a6d5e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_40f2f70e-8ddc-4a92-86bf-f50834b36251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_f720e986-efe6-4a11-97e6-852fb5a6d5e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_bd350158-556d-45eb-9195-2dea85d7216c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_4252b219-8dcb-4914-9d1f-a010ec6e1264" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_4252b219-8dcb-4914-9d1f-a010ec6e1264" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_cbd72e5a-cc99-4834-acbc-683779751cac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_cbd72e5a-cc99-4834-acbc-683779751cac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_LineofCreditFacilityAggregateLenderCommitments_e8ee65db-2df4-4fc0-96cd-333b45cd1711" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_LineofCreditFacilityAggregateLenderCommitments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_sm_LineofCreditFacilityAggregateLenderCommitments_e8ee65db-2df4-4fc0-96cd-333b45cd1711" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_LetterofCreditDividendRestrictionsAmount_b703ecfd-369c-4f7e-b64f-75a5b6b60517" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_LetterofCreditDividendRestrictionsAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_sm_LetterofCreditDividendRestrictionsAmount_b703ecfd-369c-4f7e-b64f-75a5b6b60517" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_ee3e9809-bccd-440a-89a6-543973bf70a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_ee3e9809-bccd-440a-89a6-543973bf70a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_edf59e5f-1f24-4da9-a52c-fc01fec37291" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_edf59e5f-1f24-4da9-a52c-fc01fec37291" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_444084f1-3a31-4002-b489-913a68905e45" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_444084f1-3a31-4002-b489-913a68905e45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_a2f27148-56a6-4734-8b6d-13b2a73af245" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_a2f27148-56a6-4734-8b6d-13b2a73af245" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_1fad4050-bedb-45d4-8296-102f866bdf9f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_1fad4050-bedb-45d4-8296-102f866bdf9f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_f30a186c-8706-45cb-ac2b-0f4e61147f40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_3967e440-78e1-4add-9c2b-bfb924d9ef41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_f30a186c-8706-45cb-ac2b-0f4e61147f40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/SeniorSecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#SeniorSecuredNotesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/SeniorSecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_bcf5e43a-8b92-4f95-af57-7ecef745b727" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20f312c3-334a-4f39-867f-9557078d3101" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_bcf5e43a-8b92-4f95-af57-7ecef745b727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20f312c3-334a-4f39-867f-9557078d3101" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5821db35-7041-4b3f-86fa-59ac54f0f344" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20f312c3-334a-4f39-867f-9557078d3101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5821db35-7041-4b3f-86fa-59ac54f0f344" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c61b03c6-b099-4a83-a7aa-874bd2faa50a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5821db35-7041-4b3f-86fa-59ac54f0f344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c61b03c6-b099-4a83-a7aa-874bd2faa50a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_88c28730-da95-45c2-894c-207750685542" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c61b03c6-b099-4a83-a7aa-874bd2faa50a" xlink:to="loc_sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_88c28730-da95-45c2-894c-207750685542" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_9f643dd8-2789-43e1-bf19-3636511777f3" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c61b03c6-b099-4a83-a7aa-874bd2faa50a" xlink:to="loc_sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_9f643dd8-2789-43e1-bf19-3636511777f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SeniorSecuredNotesMember_0529c361-0554-47d3-a318-ad5ceff9d21a" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SeniorSecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c61b03c6-b099-4a83-a7aa-874bd2faa50a" xlink:to="loc_sm_SeniorSecuredNotesMember_0529c361-0554-47d3-a318-ad5ceff9d21a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_20f312c3-334a-4f39-867f-9557078d3101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_51c37816-b7d7-49b1-b884-b95fb3d3e419" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_51c37816-b7d7-49b1-b884-b95fb3d3e419" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_PermittedSecondLienDebt_589d0c6f-edbb-42e6-a48a-b26bdf8248af" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_PermittedSecondLienDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_sm_PermittedSecondLienDebt_589d0c6f-edbb-42e6-a48a-b26bdf8248af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_0db9d8aa-c4e9-43a0-b472-90a24460c7f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_0db9d8aa-c4e9-43a0-b472-90a24460c7f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_ca849a3d-78e1-4ab3-97c9-6a63b4fcd95b" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_ca849a3d-78e1-4ab3-97c9-6a63b4fcd95b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_IncreaseToPermittedSecondLienDebt_be6eb1a1-6f52-46ee-83c0-eb1e3de9ef08" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_IncreaseToPermittedSecondLienDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_sm_IncreaseToPermittedSecondLienDebt_be6eb1a1-6f52-46ee-83c0-eb1e3de9ef08" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_a9ae3003-b082-4911-9802-64011172318c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_a9ae3003-b082-4911-9802-64011172318c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_e3b924a5-edec-4515-ade1-bfd82d30fa86" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_e3b924a5-edec-4515-ade1-bfd82d30fa86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_410c4fa0-67c2-4f21-b0a2-0930098ea145" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_410c4fa0-67c2-4f21-b0a2-0930098ea145" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_311e1b60-cea7-4f3c-88be-5c6aff5aa42f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_311e1b60-cea7-4f3c-88be-5c6aff5aa42f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_c5f192e4-26c5-4575-bc13-81498b743fa9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_c5f192e4-26c5-4575-bc13-81498b743fa9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentSeniorNotesInitialFairValue_2d90c33c-15fd-4d99-ac06-7c13e7e11bd4" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DebtInstrumentSeniorNotesInitialFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentSeniorNotesInitialFairValue_2d90c33c-15fd-4d99-ac06-7c13e7e11bd4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_49b6063c-bb07-4a1d-b0b6-b6ffeaa7e4ba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_682ba71a-830f-49dc-92a5-df766f316233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_49b6063c-bb07-4a1d-b0b6-b6ffeaa7e4ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/SeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#SeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/SeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_f72e85ba-004b-42ae-9de9-efd84f0883f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_90894361-a952-4827-b465-9148c78e5791" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_f72e85ba-004b-42ae-9de9-efd84f0883f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_90894361-a952-4827-b465-9148c78e5791" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_35e2e41e-b45f-487f-b0a9-2ae96d19338d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_90894361-a952-4827-b465-9148c78e5791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_35e2e41e-b45f-487f-b0a9-2ae96d19338d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_35e2e41e-b45f-487f-b0a9-2ae96d19338d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember_4e2a1565-f0e6-4803-a46f-7f61cf0826f4" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember_4e2a1565-f0e6-4803-a46f-7f61cf0826f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_571bb05e-8d3d-4e41-b5b1-ef51613a4028" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_SeniorUnsecuredNotesAnd150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_571bb05e-8d3d-4e41-b5b1-ef51613a4028" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022And50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_1a936a08-e368-46d9-a96d-afe6cfa1ee0f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022And50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022And50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_1a936a08-e368-46d9-a96d-afe6cfa1ee0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member_78d6204d-ec6e-4c70-8d0f-25caf06f21df" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member_78d6204d-ec6e-4c70-8d0f-25caf06f21df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_b9d635b3-464a-4230-a8b3-6b2aec1ead41" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_b9d635b3-464a-4230-a8b3-6b2aec1ead41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_492e85a9-5b40-4210-bdfb-5a8485328228" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_492e85a9-5b40-4210-bdfb-5a8485328228" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member_9cb26fb1-bd24-41e5-8ace-f69ed7c96f74" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member_9cb26fb1-bd24-41e5-8ace-f69ed7c96f74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_4cdb862e-6e29-48d3-b54f-bd8ba8971921" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_4cdb862e-6e29-48d3-b54f-bd8ba8971921" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_cb27b6af-387a-4a40-b210-6be7b718275d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_22e6c6cf-ea84-48ca-a679-c58e444c6e97" xlink:to="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_cb27b6af-387a-4a40-b210-6be7b718275d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis_038ab083-5eb3-466a-a136-acaf7b3850d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_90894361-a952-4827-b465-9148c78e5791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis_038ab083-5eb3-466a-a136-acaf7b3850d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_c650a3d7-5f6e-4bc6-bfe6-db1b06252b7d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis_038ab083-5eb3-466a-a136-acaf7b3850d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_c650a3d7-5f6e-4bc6-bfe6-db1b06252b7d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDeferredFinancingCostsMember_8fdf8a88-4512-4892-bb30-add4bad1d8dd" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDeferredFinancingCostsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_c650a3d7-5f6e-4bc6-bfe6-db1b06252b7d" xlink:to="loc_sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDeferredFinancingCostsMember_8fdf8a88-4512-4892-bb30-add4bad1d8dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDebtDiscountMember_b9b8831b-acf7-487b-afa2-8254300143e5" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDebtDiscountMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_c650a3d7-5f6e-4bc6-bfe6-db1b06252b7d" xlink:to="loc_sm_AcceleratedUnamortizedDebtDiscountMember_b9b8831b-acf7-487b-afa2-8254300143e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_90894361-a952-4827-b465-9148c78e5791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_bd4009d7-530e-4d8d-aa3a-b367e7360d69" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_bd4009d7-530e-4d8d-aa3a-b367e7360d69" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount_c8ba95d1-9745-48f3-ae9b-7e58eed383e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount_c8ba95d1-9745-48f3-ae9b-7e58eed383e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt_62f3a3d6-dffa-463b-aa87-3e4b8d74318a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfConvertibleDebt_62f3a3d6-dffa-463b-aa87-3e4b8d74318a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_InterestPaidSeniorNotesAccruedAndUnpaid_123b5ff1-060b-44aa-8377-63d8db2dd683" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_InterestPaidSeniorNotesAccruedAndUnpaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_sm_InterestPaidSeniorNotesAccruedAndUnpaid_123b5ff1-060b-44aa-8377-63d8db2dd683" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GainsLossesonExtinguishmentofDebtNonCashPortion_1015644d-8878-4b05-93b5-fe8eff837f49" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GainsLossesonExtinguishmentofDebtNonCashPortion"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_sm_GainsLossesonExtinguishmentofDebtNonCashPortion_1015644d-8878-4b05-93b5-fe8eff837f49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount_4d6f85d3-182d-4dff-b567-30b88f630496" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount_4d6f85d3-182d-4dff-b567-30b88f630496" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4b1f2225-a83b-4c70-acb1-368c5d31ab64" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4b1f2225-a83b-4c70-acb1-368c5d31ab64" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseDiscount_e2678cce-2758-4df0-819f-df498a8179db" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseDiscount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_sm_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseDiscount_e2678cce-2758-4df0-819f-df498a8179db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_a8771f88-4c24-48c7-a5b7-c265795d0334" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_a8771f88-4c24-48c7-a5b7-c265795d0334" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_6d10e21d-1671-43ae-a454-66150d54f83f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_6d10e21d-1671-43ae-a454-66150d54f83f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_b259e704-5315-410d-850c-54a85c9ad845" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_b259e704-5315-410d-850c-54a85c9ad845" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_72e80e2a-b842-46b9-8c1a-64882578ad6c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_72e80e2a-b842-46b9-8c1a-64882578ad6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_30cf5f29-2e27-4ef6-840c-2253b98e0d0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_30cf5f29-2e27-4ef6-840c-2253b98e0d0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_71256a16-340b-419c-9b1d-643a68c287cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_357926ff-a2f8-4d1a-9c72-92151a86e0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_71256a16-340b-419c-9b1d-643a68c287cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CapitalizedInterestDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CapitalizedInterestDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CapitalizedInterestDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_18c0f751-5396-441e-b257-3e445685952c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_f4fcd6b9-5aaf-4f9c-bbd2-6c07e8494d0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_18c0f751-5396-441e-b257-3e445685952c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_f4fcd6b9-5aaf-4f9c-bbd2-6c07e8494d0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CommitmentsandContingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_0535e8d4-7fa8-40a2-9576-3de7d953822a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_97dc6c48-f17e-4a4a-9627-529d70eb615c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_0535e8d4-7fa8-40a2-9576-3de7d953822a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_97dc6c48-f17e-4a4a-9627-529d70eb615c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e3c07a71-ae0e-4a5d-bc5b-123f8effcf44" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_104ac962-9227-4089-b624-ea4104c7b5b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e3c07a71-ae0e-4a5d-bc5b-123f8effcf44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_104ac962-9227-4089-b624-ea4104c7b5b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_e02defe7-5e3e-45be-88c2-ef481d3ddf5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_104ac962-9227-4089-b624-ea4104c7b5b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_e02defe7-5e3e-45be-88c2-ef481d3ddf5a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_c7b0fa75-3d76-4d72-a335-ee92ec79623b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_e02defe7-5e3e-45be-88c2-ef481d3ddf5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_c7b0fa75-3d76-4d72-a335-ee92ec79623b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DrillingRigLeasingContractsMember_e84ec6bf-7c26-4f1b-a0f2-950973d3c317" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DrillingRigLeasingContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_c7b0fa75-3d76-4d72-a335-ee92ec79623b" xlink:to="loc_sm_DrillingRigLeasingContractsMember_e84ec6bf-7c26-4f1b-a0f2-950973d3c317" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ca0e6ddd-d11a-424d-892e-4a5022786f77" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_104ac962-9227-4089-b624-ea4104c7b5b8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ca0e6ddd-d11a-424d-892e-4a5022786f77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_21669459-f5ba-4a8f-be13-0c4e46f69667" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ca0e6ddd-d11a-424d-892e-4a5022786f77" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_21669459-f5ba-4a8f-be13-0c4e46f69667" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_08cff028-3134-489c-9d84-13c80e1de12f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_21669459-f5ba-4a8f-be13-0c4e46f69667" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_08cff028-3134-489c-9d84-13c80e1de12f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bf367259-e103-4338-bf3e-c89b9321cab0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_21669459-f5ba-4a8f-be13-0c4e46f69667" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_bf367259-e103-4338-bf3e-c89b9321cab0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_104ac962-9227-4089-b624-ea4104c7b5b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_62ba242e-2f4a-43f3-965a-1d297ec8c5b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualObligation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_62ba242e-2f4a-43f3-965a-1d297ec8c5b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_EarlyTerminationPenaltyforRigContractCancellation_d539cfb6-8e72-4e3e-a0f0-04b9d779f542" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_EarlyTerminationPenaltyforRigContractCancellation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:to="loc_sm_EarlyTerminationPenaltyforRigContractCancellation_d539cfb6-8e72-4e3e-a0f0-04b9d779f542" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_PotentialPenaltyfornotMeetingMinimumDrillingandCompletionRequirements_b6965a11-0dad-483b-b488-06805a2899a9" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_PotentialPenaltyfornotMeetingMinimumDrillingandCompletionRequirements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:to="loc_sm_PotentialPenaltyfornotMeetingMinimumDrillingandCompletionRequirements_b6965a11-0dad-483b-b488-06805a2899a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_PotentialPenaltyForNotMeetingMinimumDrillingAndCompletionCounts_57de266e-308e-497f-939b-c95bb1ad83ac" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_PotentialPenaltyForNotMeetingMinimumDrillingAndCompletionCounts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_f9cd87aa-1e5b-42dc-89f8-5000681db023" xlink:to="loc_sm_PotentialPenaltyForNotMeetingMinimumDrillingAndCompletionCounts_57de266e-308e-497f-939b-c95bb1ad83ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlans" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CompensationPlans"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_9bd49720-871e-4483-a9df-dd35f07c7b5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock_7516363e-042a-42aa-9ade-dded90199a92" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_9bd49720-871e-4483-a9df-dd35f07c7b5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock_7516363e-042a-42aa-9ade-dded90199a92" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CompensationPlansTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_ccd6ff84-fcfa-4edd-b876-ba8e9ece633c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_fd89cf68-c804-4c0e-94b6-523f0caeefeb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_ccd6ff84-fcfa-4edd-b876-ba8e9ece633c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_fd89cf68-c804-4c0e-94b6-523f0caeefeb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_959f1a51-65f9-4051-b293-5e4a453a2369" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_ccd6ff84-fcfa-4edd-b876-ba8e9ece633c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_959f1a51-65f9-4051-b293-5e4a453a2369" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlansStockBasedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CompensationPlansStockBasedDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CompensationPlansStockBasedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_b7bb68c7-80f6-4222-88c0-73a165a42bc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a3d6a22-923d-4a91-bdb0-0b33477a428d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_b7bb68c7-80f6-4222-88c0-73a165a42bc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a3d6a22-923d-4a91-bdb0-0b33477a428d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_da462d5d-787a-4a90-94c1-653ba7e22b90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a3d6a22-923d-4a91-bdb0-0b33477a428d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_da462d5d-787a-4a90-94c1-653ba7e22b90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_05a5afa7-5a92-489b-8625-6a460702fae9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_da462d5d-787a-4a90-94c1-653ba7e22b90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_05a5afa7-5a92-489b-8625-6a460702fae9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_cd145b2b-d7f3-4473-84fe-f60cc2c71fe2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_05a5afa7-5a92-489b-8625-6a460702fae9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_cd145b2b-d7f3-4473-84fe-f60cc2c71fe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_3e25727e-88c7-4a16-ba4f-94360f62f8cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_05a5afa7-5a92-489b-8625-6a460702fae9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_3e25727e-88c7-4a16-ba4f-94360f62f8cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_55fc124f-b8ea-435d-9c58-3d31e905dea8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a3d6a22-923d-4a91-bdb0-0b33477a428d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_55fc124f-b8ea-435d-9c58-3d31e905dea8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_92325c48-14b8-4998-8054-913931d98aca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_55fc124f-b8ea-435d-9c58-3d31e905dea8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_92325c48-14b8-4998-8054-913931d98aca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4f73a1cf-b211-46d9-adb9-45d44e39c3f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_92325c48-14b8-4998-8054-913931d98aca" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4f73a1cf-b211-46d9-adb9-45d44e39c3f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d427fe49-2329-436a-8e81-90303e15b114" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_92325c48-14b8-4998-8054-913931d98aca" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d427fe49-2329-436a-8e81-90303e15b114" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a3d6a22-923d-4a91-bdb0-0b33477a428d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_1d6fb92b-fbf0-4879-9c29-2d4cd3821866" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_1d6fb92b-fbf0-4879-9c29-2d4cd3821866" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_f0b66e53-53b6-46a1-b010-035c7c6db649" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_f0b66e53-53b6-46a1-b010-035c7c6db649" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodMultiplierAssumed_32ddbbef-fca7-4e51-baaf-ab2912cf294f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodMultiplierAssumed"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodMultiplierAssumed_32ddbbef-fca7-4e51-baaf-ab2912cf294f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_MultiplierAppliedToPsuAwardsAtSettlement_b79b7f66-c5a3-4183-b1f8-caf2709b02e9" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_MultiplierAppliedToPsuAwardsAtSettlement"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_sm_MultiplierAppliedToPsuAwardsAtSettlement_b79b7f66-c5a3-4183-b1f8-caf2709b02e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_7e0eaca2-76f5-4925-a066-2aa78301cceb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_7e0eaca2-76f5-4925-a066-2aa78301cceb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_882cf75c-cdb2-43f2-9940-de4550542526" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_882cf75c-cdb2-43f2-9940-de4550542526" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_82c5baa2-fc4c-4860-ad3f-59cac2647ee0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_82c5baa2-fc4c-4860-ad3f-59cac2647ee0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_741f1268-3de5-4d07-94cd-ccd2b8cca489" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_741f1268-3de5-4d07-94cd-ccd2b8cca489" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_df8d9da0-1941-4206-be33-5f4df36f7980" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_df8d9da0-1941-4206-be33-5f4df36f7980" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_461dde09-c600-4e1f-a96c-875fe44ee9b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_461dde09-c600-4e1f-a96c-875fe44ee9b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_8281f5c4-ad21-461a-b388-0123295766f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_8281f5c4-ad21-461a-b388-0123295766f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_46933af2-db0f-463d-a103-59d570869c80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_46933af2-db0f-463d-a103-59d570869c80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_0a232021-7889-47ef-9683-887a13463af4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_0a232021-7889-47ef-9683-887a13463af4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4a74c03b-c0f5-4d30-a171-8de9461ac119" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4a74c03b-c0f5-4d30-a171-8de9461ac119" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_f1de1b21-9019-460f-bd69-22b1991607c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_f1de1b21-9019-460f-bd69-22b1991607c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_5ea91671-1a1c-4b7c-b09d-2f3c22b2e674" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_5ea91671-1a1c-4b7c-b09d-2f3c22b2e674" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NumberofSharesRepresentedbyEachRSU_3a6073b1-0b67-4083-8d8e-b0644dfb8840" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NumberofSharesRepresentedbyEachRSU"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e4b42df6-13de-4a37-92e0-bfd3092b4e2f" xlink:to="loc_sm_NumberofSharesRepresentedbyEachRSU_3a6073b1-0b67-4083-8d8e-b0644dfb8840" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DirectorSharesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DirectorSharesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DirectorSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_f6960050-20f3-42b1-bc73-919500988a49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_b0d22ff4-fbc1-4958-b762-c612ed788884" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_f6960050-20f3-42b1-bc73-919500988a49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_b0d22ff4-fbc1-4958-b762-c612ed788884" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3a2a5ac3-6e22-4564-8c95-e881e03427e6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_b0d22ff4-fbc1-4958-b762-c612ed788884" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3a2a5ac3-6e22-4564-8c95-e881e03427e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_7a019d09-3f6e-4152-bffc-cea33d9f581d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3a2a5ac3-6e22-4564-8c95-e881e03427e6" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_7a019d09-3f6e-4152-bffc-cea33d9f581d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_DirectorMember_0f65087e-552d-40ba-82f4-c73b6c1d1fa3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_DirectorMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_7a019d09-3f6e-4152-bffc-cea33d9f581d" xlink:to="loc_srt_DirectorMember_0f65087e-552d-40ba-82f4-c73b6c1d1fa3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7c2cdafa-8ea6-4e3d-8bbf-37edaae61256" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_b0d22ff4-fbc1-4958-b762-c612ed788884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7c2cdafa-8ea6-4e3d-8bbf-37edaae61256" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_92be0728-1de9-463d-aa0e-eca58c35cd81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7c2cdafa-8ea6-4e3d-8bbf-37edaae61256" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_92be0728-1de9-463d-aa0e-eca58c35cd81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/EmployeeStockPurchasePlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#EmployeeStockPurchasePlanDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/EmployeeStockPurchasePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d796a7e6-7f1b-44ad-95a8-0e1b014fc6ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1bef2945-993f-4159-86b0-db0366d3bd8d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d796a7e6-7f1b-44ad-95a8-0e1b014fc6ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1bef2945-993f-4159-86b0-db0366d3bd8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_91b59686-217a-438c-8d51-6079b13c882a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1bef2945-993f-4159-86b0-db0366d3bd8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_91b59686-217a-438c-8d51-6079b13c882a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0e4604cc-0315-4983-8536-7ae3d03e26ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_91b59686-217a-438c-8d51-6079b13c882a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0e4604cc-0315-4983-8536-7ae3d03e26ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_70206cf2-0455-4229-af43-984f375d0a44" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0e4604cc-0315-4983-8536-7ae3d03e26ec" xlink:to="loc_sm_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_70206cf2-0455-4229-af43-984f375d0a44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1bef2945-993f-4159-86b0-db0366d3bd8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate_c3e84580-9197-44c4-a7ea-624a48b50dc4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscriptionRate_c3e84580-9197-44c4-a7ea-624a48b50dc4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscription_1c7b2a62-03ce-4842-9f17-20e9ed00e7cd" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscription"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:to="loc_sm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumEmployeeSubscription_1c7b2a62-03ce-4842-9f17-20e9ed00e7cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_45bfa796-2cd2-49ef-9f36-d33bd81e84e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_45bfa796-2cd2-49ef-9f36-d33bd81e84e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_c7db01cd-e98f-4fa2-abf7-be749ff45003" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_c7db01cd-e98f-4fa2-abf7-be749ff45003" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_f1fc3f88-cb54-4bb2-85e4-d638fb433484" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0d4a68b5-c64d-48ee-8bf2-874bb6b7d15b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_f1fc3f88-cb54-4bb2-85e4-d638fb433484" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefits" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#PensionBenefits"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefits" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_ba017d40-af95-457a-9bb5-6af295adfb84" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_9e00e152-7f3f-4b3b-8504-ed015cb21ff8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_ba017d40-af95-457a-9bb5-6af295adfb84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock_9e00e152-7f3f-4b3b-8504-ed015cb21ff8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefitsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#PensionBenefitsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefitsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_7d201e5d-38e4-46a2-ac17-0bb34aa520e1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_51dff5db-7008-4127-9f62-06f1349e4d7f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_7d201e5d-38e4-46a2-ac17-0bb34aa520e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_51dff5db-7008-4127-9f62-06f1349e4d7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#PensionBenefitsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/PensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_08e159f6-d376-441d-af39-01e79e02c4f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5a3864bd-7a3e-407b-8f8d-c2671a085c5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresAbstract_08e159f6-d376-441d-af39-01e79e02c4f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5a3864bd-7a3e-407b-8f8d-c2671a085c5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f039d544-2dd9-400c-88d3-40e06dff99da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5a3864bd-7a3e-407b-8f8d-c2671a085c5e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f039d544-2dd9-400c-88d3-40e06dff99da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_9191440c-9561-4e80-be00-c4baaf93e6ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_f039d544-2dd9-400c-88d3-40e06dff99da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_9191440c-9561-4e80-be00-c4baaf93e6ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_efbbb5ac-d87a-42d4-a7d9-74079f732677" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_9191440c-9561-4e80-be00-c4baaf93e6ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_efbbb5ac-d87a-42d4-a7d9-74079f732677" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ae921fc4-4b82-423c-bca4-45d12d388bba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_5a3864bd-7a3e-407b-8f8d-c2671a085c5e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ae921fc4-4b82-423c-bca4-45d12d388bba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ae921fc4-4b82-423c-bca4-45d12d388bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_e1a5b769-4da1-4557-804a-a20f87a97b73" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_e1a5b769-4da1-4557-804a-a20f87a97b73" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_f1c529e5-eaff-4bcc-9f92-200786249988" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_f1c529e5-eaff-4bcc-9f92-200786249988" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_c4e6f668-03a8-4830-8b18-c273fc32e16f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_c4e6f668-03a8-4830-8b18-c273fc32e16f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_556c9e0b-3778-456f-ba34-f07cd1979219" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_556c9e0b-3778-456f-ba34-f07cd1979219" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_e7011c11-6190-476f-aab5-ff05906fb1bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_e7011c11-6190-476f-aab5-ff05906fb1bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_a3f407cd-2a6c-4a61-a1bc-acb8994a6db2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_a3f407cd-2a6c-4a61-a1bc-acb8994a6db2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_a816f9c9-c73f-438a-9a0a-d4e675b182d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_e19de360-67a1-4050-9edf-e96e9c4db968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_a816f9c9-c73f-438a-9a0a-d4e675b182d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_PensionAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitPlansGainLossAmortizationThreshold_7cff0568-35b3-45c9-ae18-5538d10f8d55" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_PensionAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitPlansGainLossAmortizationThreshold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ae921fc4-4b82-423c-bca4-45d12d388bba" xlink:to="loc_sm_PensionAndOtherPostRetirementBenefitPlansGainLossAmortizationThreshold_7cff0568-35b3-45c9-ae18-5538d10f8d55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_c31c19aa-00bf-47f6-a6de-fc17ddc2f2fe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ae921fc4-4b82-423c-bca4-45d12d388bba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_c31c19aa-00bf-47f6-a6de-fc17ddc2f2fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#EarningsperShare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b73b4b2e-70e0-4e00-9e3b-0511927d141c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_542ba871-dbcc-468b-8b9b-e2d3a9e0ecb7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b73b4b2e-70e0-4e00-9e3b-0511927d141c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_542ba871-dbcc-468b-8b9b-e2d3a9e0ecb7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#EarningsperShareTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_43618386-b550-494d-95da-a78766f78901" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_f93c714f-4be9-4167-9b87-5817b80b9998" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_43618386-b550-494d-95da-a78766f78901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_f93c714f-4be9-4167-9b87-5817b80b9998" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_632c5eb6-f1d5-4552-924f-22eeb0309b79" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_43618386-b550-494d-95da-a78766f78901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_632c5eb6-f1d5-4552-924f-22eeb0309b79" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#EarningsperShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/EarningsperShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_cdfe930b-bc97-4f2c-a6b0-fc57f23234fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_88992325-f778-49e4-99fa-f77a36c0c82d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_cdfe930b-bc97-4f2c-a6b0-fc57f23234fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_88992325-f778-49e4-99fa-f77a36c0c82d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_237dee8c-e84a-4d99-b579-c99c9a20c2e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_88992325-f778-49e4-99fa-f77a36c0c82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_237dee8c-e84a-4d99-b579-c99c9a20c2e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbda67c1-82ac-463f-b597-600c3df09435" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_237dee8c-e84a-4d99-b579-c99c9a20c2e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbda67c1-82ac-463f-b597-600c3df09435" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_008645aa-2871-4488-af1d-924e2ef43508" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_dbda67c1-82ac-463f-b597-600c3df09435" xlink:to="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_008645aa-2871-4488-af1d-924e2ef43508" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_88992325-f778-49e4-99fa-f77a36c0c82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_5f3b9794-2cac-474e-a263-9d86198a4ba5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_5f3b9794-2cac-474e-a263-9d86198a4ba5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_8af1f928-5acf-4dee-92f2-611c58cbdbe4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_8af1f928-5acf-4dee-92f2-611c58cbdbe4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_7aeeb500-34e9-4019-83c4-504fa6d8e680" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_7aeeb500-34e9-4019-83c4-504fa6d8e680" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_bac5655a-92a1-4ccd-913c-171ec7acddba" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_bac5655a-92a1-4ccd-913c-171ec7acddba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants_3e80a397-5e2b-488f-b008-36874d2116b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToCallOptionsAndWarrants_3e80a397-5e2b-488f-b008-36874d2116b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0ed07597-92ae-4d7e-8935-68d0cdcb7fe6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_dfe7762b-0865-440c-96ea-13b13e19d738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0ed07597-92ae-4d7e-8935-68d0cdcb7fe6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_cdfe930b-bc97-4f2c-a6b0-fc57f23234fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fd75cfb8-22a9-46a4-b23d-28a98fa32289" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fd75cfb8-22a9-46a4-b23d-28a98fa32289" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_054fba25-00be-41ee-9db2-f98779f7dd23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_054fba25-00be-41ee-9db2-f98779f7dd23" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_12309f96-2a2a-4fce-8b67-42cfbf37888f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_12309f96-2a2a-4fce-8b67-42cfbf37888f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_4d1c2b79-3978-4eb8-92d7-7060375a6326" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_4d1c2b79-3978-4eb8-92d7-7060375a6326" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_b43c1b85-cd6d-4ad8-8edc-45fc7d8ef2e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_b43c1b85-cd6d-4ad8-8edc-45fc7d8ef2e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8cd6122d-93fa-4f01-ab99-928071e93447" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_28eba1d5-300f-49cb-ba95-a7cfd83abfd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8cd6122d-93fa-4f01-ab99-928071e93447" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstruments"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_ff91c30d-6e4c-4dd2-bc7d-80dedbbbfae1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_5f39c746-a2c7-40b0-9a0a-c568f424add9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_ff91c30d-6e4c-4dd2-bc7d-80dedbbbfae1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_5f39c746-a2c7-40b0-9a0a-c568f424add9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_550979b9-ac6c-46a2-bbd4-19dada9b7bc7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_3e6dc4d9-f7be-4f6e-b80f-ff8087cca253" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_550979b9-ac6c-46a2-bbd4-19dada9b7bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_3e6dc4d9-f7be-4f6e-b80f-ff8087cca253" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_3cdc8b75-c95a-48c9-9d6d-fb83f84d521c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_550979b9-ac6c-46a2-bbd4-19dada9b7bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_3cdc8b75-c95a-48c9-9d6d-fb83f84d521c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ScheduleOfPotentialEffectsOfMasterNettingArrangementsTableTextBlock_1759402d-5278-4d5d-93fa-2486afd24479" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ScheduleOfPotentialEffectsOfMasterNettingArrangementsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_550979b9-ac6c-46a2-bbd4-19dada9b7bc7" xlink:to="loc_sm_ScheduleOfPotentialEffectsOfMasterNettingArrangementsTableTextBlock_1759402d-5278-4d5d-93fa-2486afd24479" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_68e8a6de-7bc8-4fe4-a520-9342157b304f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_550979b9-ac6c-46a2-bbd4-19dada9b7bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_68e8a6de-7bc8-4fe4-a520-9342157b304f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_2641c140-8a08-4737-8c43-bba2fc623627" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_2641c140-8a08-4737-8c43-bba2fc623627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_eadc3db3-ec1e-47c2-9093-fa66a9f569c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_eadc3db3-ec1e-47c2-9093-fa66a9f569c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_899f1b8c-80c2-4804-a071-2e106ea5d4e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_eadc3db3-ec1e-47c2-9093-fa66a9f569c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_899f1b8c-80c2-4804-a071-2e106ea5d4e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_f79a9fe2-dea9-4ada-a06c-7ff71a3b4446" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_899f1b8c-80c2-4804-a071-2e106ea5d4e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_f79a9fe2-dea9-4ada-a06c-7ff71a3b4446" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexAxis_e58dfdb0-cb07-4f7f-b383-21926856f583" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:to="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexAxis_e58dfdb0-cb07-4f7f-b383-21926856f583" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexAxis_e58dfdb0-cb07-4f7f-b383-21926856f583" xlink:to="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WTIMidlandNYMEXWTIMember_9989af00-9e5f-45d6-b7f7-2cac573639f5" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WTIMidlandNYMEXWTIMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_WTIMidlandNYMEXWTIMember_9989af00-9e5f-45d6-b7f7-2cac573639f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXWTIICEBrentMember_37e0eae2-077e-417a-902c-2db9d9585c66" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXWTIICEBrentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXWTIICEBrentMember_37e0eae2-077e-417a-902c-2db9d9585c66" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_IfHscMember_47d070ff-da00-4758-8bae-c228e5b98a12" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_IfHscMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_IfHscMember_47d070ff-da00-4758-8bae-c228e5b98a12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WAHAMember_2ec70547-9d61-4193-aa6e-dd19c9f77b06" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WAHAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_WAHAMember_2ec70547-9d61-4193-aa6e-dd19c9f77b06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_IFWAHAMember_ddd7aeee-d7b0-42f9-ada7-6b4e0a673370" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_IFWAHAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_IFWAHAMember_ddd7aeee-d7b0-42f9-ada7-6b4e0a673370" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GDWAHAMember_5b9a66c6-d588-4281-8aa9-fdb5e4510ce8" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GDWAHAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_GDWAHAMember_5b9a66c6-d588-4281-8aa9-fdb5e4510ce8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OPISPropaneMontBelvieuNonTETMember_60f097e9-5bc2-4fab-9be1-0f0f7fd02171" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OPISPropaneMontBelvieuNonTETMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_sm_DerivativeUnderlyingIndexDomain_28df8424-0fb5-46ad-8ed9-411a2996e2dd" xlink:to="loc_sm_OPISPropaneMontBelvieuNonTETMember_60f097e9-5bc2-4fab-9be1-0f0f7fd02171" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e62a9902-22dc-4ae3-8de6-f8cf65551fd6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e62a9902-22dc-4ae3-8de6-f8cf65551fd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e62a9902-22dc-4ae3-8de6-f8cf65551fd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_d14bea5d-574a-4e15-952e-71c020509611" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_d14bea5d-574a-4e15-952e-71c020509611" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear2Member_0c724720-c2d4-4f96-9c21-7027111df66a" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear2Member_0c724720-c2d4-4f96-9c21-7027111df66a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear3Member_a002561b-8bc4-477e-b302-0c7d340f1c5f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractYear3Member_a002561b-8bc4-477e-b302-0c7d340f1c5f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractsMember_487aebca-1552-42bc-a920-82ac5957363c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilSwapContractsMember_487aebca-1552-42bc-a920-82ac5957363c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_78fa0903-6ec5-4808-809a-0bb3847d2abc" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_78fa0903-6ec5-4808-809a-0bb3847d2abc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractYear2Member_8d8976ff-d89a-47da-b975-08c2088b2d2f" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractYear2Member_8d8976ff-d89a-47da-b975-08c2088b2d2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractsMember_2e4194d9-5753-4880-afba-a875f1b033cc" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCollarContractsMember_2e4194d9-5753-4880-afba-a875f1b033cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_bf3ab7d8-7664-4641-a97d-f3f39fe2d572" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilBasisSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_bf3ab7d8-7664-4641-a97d-f3f39fe2d572" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear2Member_0b53c0f8-1d04-4859-8624-7b6526c84876" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear2Member_0b53c0f8-1d04-4859-8624-7b6526c84876" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear3Member_49782501-608b-4897-9436-47566887fa5d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapContractYear3Member_49782501-608b-4897-9436-47566887fa5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapMember_ab827a3e-7fda-4a35-9bf4-113c52c4ecde" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilBasisSwapMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilBasisSwapMember_ab827a3e-7fda-4a35-9bf4-113c52c4ecde" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_b8a580f6-4fe7-41e9-9b17-ecdf5046dfe3" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_b8a580f6-4fe7-41e9-9b17-ecdf5046dfe3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractYear2Member_62e320c7-df15-4897-b852-efa4231e0dd5" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractYear2Member_62e320c7-df15-4897-b852-efa4231e0dd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractsMember_5d248532-56b8-49bc-8c64-f5a84f3004f1" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NYMEXOilCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialContractsMember_5d248532-56b8-49bc-8c64-f5a84f3004f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_c49e4dc3-2a11-4a48-8213-31407cd6e4cf" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GasSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_c49e4dc3-2a11-4a48-8213-31407cd6e4cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractYear2Member_1a614773-17c9-4fc7-9713-5e0f78120979" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GasSwapsContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractYear2Member_1a614773-17c9-4fc7-9713-5e0f78120979" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractYear3Member_8ef9d48f-e9cd-4247-a164-442cde518d1c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GasSwapsContractYear3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractYear3Member_8ef9d48f-e9cd-4247-a164-442cde518d1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractsMember_83e877cc-fe36-4f2e-85f6-77bd6df8fe01" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GasSwapsContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_GasSwapsContractsMember_83e877cc-fe36-4f2e-85f6-77bd6df8fe01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_9ee3ff95-1334-47d5-a834-118cc0ae2d7b" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NGLSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractFourthQuarterYear1Member_9ee3ff95-1334-47d5-a834-118cc0ae2d7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractYear2Member_a6f557ad-b71b-43a6-adf8-6d74b5c1c178" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NGLSwapsContractYear2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractYear2Member_a6f557ad-b71b-43a6-adf8-6d74b5c1c178" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractsMember_c908504a-463f-4ac9-9994-00db2d6bd94d" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NGLSwapsContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f2ca273-3313-4b12-a617-ad7f5c9d2c14" xlink:to="loc_sm_NGLSwapsContractsMember_c908504a-463f-4ac9-9994-00db2d6bd94d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_93fa46e5-5e84-4d48-8963-9afef45f9ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_fde36581-5273-4de6-98d2-e62c0b5bcfa9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_fde36581-5273-4de6-98d2-e62c0b5bcfa9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_992c0700-d997-4ebf-8eae-ddc4cf1c124c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_992c0700-d997-4ebf-8eae-ddc4cf1c124c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice_d6fc964b-19af-46ab-8ea1-dfcab42b2fda" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice_d6fc964b-19af-46ab-8ea1-dfcab42b2fda" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice_9ee9c370-8c9a-4684-beb5-c48d41af5386" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice_9ee9c370-8c9a-4684-beb5-c48d41af5386" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DerivativeOilBasisSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice_889ad5c3-5d37-452f-81e3-5c153fb2228b" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DerivativeOilBasisSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_sm_DerivativeOilBasisSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice_889ad5c3-5d37-452f-81e3-5c153fb2228b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_DerivativeCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice_f70395e0-65de-4357-8a8b-79b47591c798" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_DerivativeCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_sm_DerivativeCalendarMonthAverageRollDifferentialSwapTypeWeightedAverageContractPrice_f70395e0-65de-4357-8a8b-79b47591c798" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_40f49830-90dc-48ea-9499-6c3c7a3e0a90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_40f49830-90dc-48ea-9499-6c3c7a3e0a90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_IndexPercentOfNaturalGasFixedSwaps_9b811a28-6cdd-454d-8a03-d8e8dd172a29" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_IndexPercentOfNaturalGasFixedSwaps"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_c2ebaffe-a87b-4edb-ad3c-0c6002c3dc16" xlink:to="loc_sm_IndexPercentOfNaturalGasFixedSwaps_9b811a28-6cdd-454d-8a03-d8e8dd172a29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_a59ec8d1-4eed-4185-a7a8-65d0491f5f32" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_a59ec8d1-4eed-4185-a7a8-65d0491f5f32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_0308b61b-1a6c-4d34-82c0-0c6e1f689f3b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_0308b61b-1a6c-4d34-82c0-0c6e1f689f3b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_71074e99-3863-49c8-b40b-96af36280e4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_0308b61b-1a6c-4d34-82c0-0c6e1f689f3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_71074e99-3863-49c8-b40b-96af36280e4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_3319175a-9167-40ef-9e3e-65d33394706d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_71074e99-3863-49c8-b40b-96af36280e4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_3319175a-9167-40ef-9e3e-65d33394706d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a9a6d892-de0a-410c-b2df-650809304a6e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a9a6d892-de0a-410c-b2df-650809304a6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0d760852-3775-416c-9953-31da4a54659a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_a9a6d892-de0a-410c-b2df-650809304a6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0d760852-3775-416c-9953-31da4a54659a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_82e2d840-7fa0-4958-9f8f-b53e9eaaa09f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0d760852-3775-416c-9953-31da4a54659a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_82e2d840-7fa0-4958-9f8f-b53e9eaaa09f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_143620fc-be03-47b8-a43e-d4bf4d6b9ee0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_143620fc-be03-47b8-a43e-d4bf4d6b9ee0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fea0df22-f143-4374-8a15-2fd5f8740e3d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_143620fc-be03-47b8-a43e-d4bf4d6b9ee0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fea0df22-f143-4374-8a15-2fd5f8740e3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_cf150d9a-0c35-4178-85e8-9095daeeeb91" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fea0df22-f143-4374-8a15-2fd5f8740e3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_cf150d9a-0c35-4178-85e8-9095daeeeb91" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7eae14df-84b6-4ee7-8489-ca4859d80069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_bd63626f-2ffd-4153-884c-26d5d343f105" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_bd63626f-2ffd-4153-884c-26d5d343f105" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_90df69fb-6e59-48e6-b574-cc8c2c8a729a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_90df69fb-6e59-48e6-b574-cc8c2c8a729a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_cd822884-e95c-45e1-8b9b-414c87687d00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_cd822884-e95c-45e1-8b9b-414c87687d00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_c42f58d4-3344-4e9f-b939-c09a686bdddf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_c42f58d4-3344-4e9f-b939-c09a686bdddf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_f4c191b2-e633-40eb-b36b-1922a8ef02f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_f4c191b2-e633-40eb-b36b-1922a8ef02f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bb8de7aa-1b8b-4b2a-89c0-56636088d5ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bb8de7aa-1b8b-4b2a-89c0-56636088d5ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_cce88b06-4214-49bc-ba35-18a495b621a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_cce88b06-4214-49bc-ba35-18a495b621a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction_be072341-2e19-40cc-89df-68742add131c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction_be072341-2e19-40cc-89df-68742add131c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction_79cdb8e1-2ef2-4e9b-a1a9-b681a6141127" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction_79cdb8e1-2ef2-4e9b-a1a9-b681a6141127" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection_ac038d68-cb17-45a9-a94c-c588c33a3201" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection_ac038d68-cb17-45a9-a94c-c588c33a3201" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection_84ab332f-4983-46a6-b74e-40059961805f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_2924a7cf-4e7a-4e9d-9064-14291a40c2d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementPolicyElection_84ab332f-4983-46a6-b74e-40059961805f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGainsandLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGainsandLossesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGainsandLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_be0d3e35-8d12-4d73-9495-b76cc1730cec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_a88b1462-0ae0-40e1-9eb4-024b5b3a3ee7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_be0d3e35-8d12-4d73-9495-b76cc1730cec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_a88b1462-0ae0-40e1-9eb4-024b5b3a3ee7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7760b2ff-635e-467b-8ef6-93071174df3e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_a88b1462-0ae0-40e1-9eb4-024b5b3a3ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7760b2ff-635e-467b-8ef6-93071174df3e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c32d4a40-2789-4f72-bf62-8c7f4d01cd2b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7760b2ff-635e-467b-8ef6-93071174df3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c32d4a40-2789-4f72-bf62-8c7f4d01cd2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilContractsMember_2b0da843-6847-4437-bfac-751a559d28e9" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c32d4a40-2789-4f72-bf62-8c7f4d01cd2b" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilContractsMember_2b0da843-6847-4437-bfac-751a559d28e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_GasContractsMember_baf01b4c-d392-40df-a4e0-8ff8f8972524" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_GasContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c32d4a40-2789-4f72-bf62-8c7f4d01cd2b" xlink:to="loc_sm_GasContractsMember_baf01b4c-d392-40df-a4e0-8ff8f8972524" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_NGLContractsMember_221fc6de-f047-4857-bf28-504b5872048c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_NGLContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c32d4a40-2789-4f72-bf62-8c7f4d01cd2b" xlink:to="loc_sm_NGLContractsMember_221fc6de-f047-4857-bf28-504b5872048c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c492fd5b-148a-4393-a120-28c7a6be1a8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_a88b1462-0ae0-40e1-9eb4-024b5b3a3ee7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c492fd5b-148a-4393-a120-28c7a6be1a8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_Derivativesettlementgainorloss_8faa9341-8b34-4af8-8d91-865fe57d0c3c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_Derivativesettlementgainorloss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c492fd5b-148a-4393-a120-28c7a6be1a8c" xlink:to="loc_sm_Derivativesettlementgainorloss_8faa9341-8b34-4af8-8d91-865fe57d0c3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_ddaceaa1-dd46-4022-a3f7-d9990407a019" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_c492fd5b-148a-4393-a120-28c7a6be1a8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_ddaceaa1-dd46-4022-a3f7-d9990407a019" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/CreditFacilityandDerivativeCounterpartiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#CreditFacilityandDerivativeCounterpartiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/CreditFacilityandDerivativeCounterpartiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_b7510d57-6cd7-46bb-ad26-4a0cec08e49a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_PercentageofProvedPropertySecuredforCreditFacilityBorrowing_38c70529-c850-495b-8de4-e2f2655c0d70" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_PercentageofProvedPropertySecuredforCreditFacilityBorrowing"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_b7510d57-6cd7-46bb-ad26-4a0cec08e49a" xlink:to="loc_sm_PercentageofProvedPropertySecuredforCreditFacilityBorrowing_38c70529-c850-495b-8de4-e2f2655c0d70" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_fcc0798f-4a8a-492a-9a22-1dfa797cdeca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_c4ffa161-5ac1-4849-8dce-457782700fee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_fcc0798f-4a8a-492a-9a22-1dfa797cdeca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_c4ffa161-5ac1-4849-8dce-457782700fee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_aa8b83c4-38a8-430f-97bc-75cb9ab8a57a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock_0be7463a-2e13-433c-b155-54ebf7658712" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_aa8b83c4-38a8-430f-97bc-75cb9ab8a57a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock_0be7463a-2e13-433c-b155-54ebf7658712" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ImpairmentofoilandgaspropertiesTableTextBlock_25c991bc-e403-4dc6-b095-5601f6d86457" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ImpairmentofoilandgaspropertiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_aa8b83c4-38a8-430f-97bc-75cb9ab8a57a" xlink:to="loc_sm_ImpairmentofoilandgaspropertiesTableTextBlock_25c991bc-e403-4dc6-b095-5601f6d86457" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_LongTermDebtFairValueTableTextBlock_7495e5b4-6424-49a8-9d97-0885088a40a2" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_LongTermDebtFairValueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_aa8b83c4-38a8-430f-97bc-75cb9ab8a57a" xlink:to="loc_sm_LongTermDebtFairValueTableTextBlock_7495e5b4-6424-49a8-9d97-0885088a40a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#FairValueDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_25b7e0aa-e014-4554-99aa-e4472f7476f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_25b7e0aa-e014-4554-99aa-e4472f7476f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_227df6ff-1594-43c6-853c-4fd82ffae096" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_227df6ff-1594-43c6-853c-4fd82ffae096" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_631a2ed6-67ab-4bc1-9b58-f1eef7d23c00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_227df6ff-1594-43c6-853c-4fd82ffae096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_631a2ed6-67ab-4bc1-9b58-f1eef7d23c00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_4062703c-608c-480d-abfa-444c4afef0f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_631a2ed6-67ab-4bc1-9b58-f1eef7d23c00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_4062703c-608c-480d-abfa-444c4afef0f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_84e9d51f-eb92-4e9f-b2d2-2a0641307a3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_84e9d51f-eb92-4e9f-b2d2-2a0641307a3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c6fc959-904d-4b47-ab39-644135b908ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_84e9d51f-eb92-4e9f-b2d2-2a0641307a3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c6fc959-904d-4b47-ab39-644135b908ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_61b674ea-45aa-438a-94a0-62f77e22e521" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9c6fc959-904d-4b47-ab39-644135b908ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_61b674ea-45aa-438a-94a0-62f77e22e521" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_c37d9111-b13c-4afb-8c71-415d441ddbae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_c37d9111-b13c-4afb-8c71-415d441ddbae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_afcbcd55-2e83-4cae-9f0e-1bf651373d15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_c37d9111-b13c-4afb-8c71-415d441ddbae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_afcbcd55-2e83-4cae-9f0e-1bf651373d15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_591a6351-d86c-4ea1-b090-21425847846a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_afcbcd55-2e83-4cae-9f0e-1bf651373d15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_591a6351-d86c-4ea1-b090-21425847846a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_8be04ed5-8b0e-4643-b51c-a38eae3f8f2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_afcbcd55-2e83-4cae-9f0e-1bf651373d15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_8be04ed5-8b0e-4643-b51c-a38eae3f8f2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1e22e6de-d468-4495-8a89-39f19131349c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1e22e6de-d468-4495-8a89-39f19131349c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_55331a7a-25dd-4406-8a00-0be778eeaf57" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1e22e6de-d468-4495-8a89-39f19131349c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_55331a7a-25dd-4406-8a00-0be778eeaf57" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_b7d3a981-eaa5-419e-bc1b-b899a2308b93" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_55331a7a-25dd-4406-8a00-0be778eeaf57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_b7d3a981-eaa5-419e-bc1b-b899a2308b93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b709657c-67dc-495f-8057-5e3e2421fc99" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_55331a7a-25dd-4406-8a00-0be778eeaf57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b709657c-67dc-495f-8057-5e3e2421fc99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_be4b8af6-7c66-4b9e-858c-9ac8c42114d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_55331a7a-25dd-4406-8a00-0be778eeaf57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_be4b8af6-7c66-4b9e-858c-9ac8c42114d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_edae84b3-d14f-4d76-b03f-59640b04bd8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_edae84b3-d14f-4d76-b03f-59640b04bd8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_edae84b3-d14f-4d76-b03f-59640b04bd8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member_e5c180a6-1b98-47a8-b277-1e883e358267" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A6125SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2022Member_e5c180a6-1b98-47a8-b277-1e883e358267" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_fe41c717-f815-4003-b250-02949bafdbba" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A50SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2024Member_fe41c717-f815-4003-b250-02949bafdbba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_cdc46b70-2025-4bde-a432-a7762aea66af" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A5625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2025Member_cdc46b70-2025-4bde-a432-a7762aea66af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member_597ea72c-9d97-47c9-9eb2-8e0b081345d4" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A675SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2026Member_597ea72c-9d97-47c9-9eb2-8e0b081345d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_ad73be4b-f899-4f7e-be44-c022a626021e" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A6625SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2027Member_ad73be4b-f899-4f7e-be44-c022a626021e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_66294954-1dec-49bc-b375-50ad7dfc6a2a" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A100SeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_66294954-1dec-49bc-b375-50ad7dfc6a2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_b1a51224-96b5-4f7f-902a-4ef765eb7f40" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A150SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_b1a51224-96b5-4f7f-902a-4ef765eb7f40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_a055f9fb-3555-4260-82cd-35d7024ee7dd" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_32cdb6d0-78bd-40a7-a5be-5f1a322d3f42" xlink:to="loc_sm_A150SeniorSecuredConvertibleNotesDue2021Member_a055f9fb-3555-4260-82cd-35d7024ee7dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_af196877-699d-479a-8960-947553fae980" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_5030a7d7-4021-40f3-b8ba-b1d7e01bab0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_5030a7d7-4021-40f3-b8ba-b1d7e01bab0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_52c96c10-b277-4406-840e-7839729e3f24" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_5030a7d7-4021-40f3-b8ba-b1d7e01bab0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_52c96c10-b277-4406-840e-7839729e3f24" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentFairValueDisclosure_4a78b39d-d95c-4883-a897-e2a299a64ffa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_5030a7d7-4021-40f3-b8ba-b1d7e01bab0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentFairValueDisclosure_4a78b39d-d95c-4883-a897-e2a299a64ffa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_213c1a9e-f769-4c32-9ebc-667b85dcfa72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_213c1a9e-f769-4c32-9ebc-667b85dcfa72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_7ddee7dc-f306-4a89-95c4-f5cd42c515b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_213c1a9e-f769-4c32-9ebc-667b85dcfa72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_7ddee7dc-f306-4a89-95c4-f5cd42c515b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_OilandGasPropertiesMeasurementInput_b55afc7e-1240-4b72-be5d-b07ae41d7f9c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_OilandGasPropertiesMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:to="loc_sm_OilandGasPropertiesMeasurementInput_b55afc7e-1240-4b72-be5d-b07ae41d7f9c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ImpairmentofProvedOilandGasProperties_6c2e8093-5a7b-4a25-9c4e-ad968a3e4537" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ImpairmentofProvedOilandGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:to="loc_sm_ImpairmentofProvedOilandGasProperties_6c2e8093-5a7b-4a25-9c4e-ad968a3e4537" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_ImpairmentofUnprovedOilandGasProperties_f07a6d26-89a5-4216-a83a-d0067530c8b2" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_ImpairmentofUnprovedOilandGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:to="loc_sm_ImpairmentofUnprovedOilandGasProperties_f07a6d26-89a5-4216-a83a-d0067530c8b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_ae404b25-3df6-41a9-8029-4c6fa0f12a43" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertyAbstract_6a200371-34e3-41ca-9a48-53f40f9294ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_ae404b25-3df6-41a9-8029-4c6fa0f12a43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bb872139-5372-49cf-9da7-8e70a1bbd61d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bb872139-5372-49cf-9da7-8e70a1bbd61d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_63a2d937-984b-4868-bac6-c88a0350376d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bb872139-5372-49cf-9da7-8e70a1bbd61d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_63a2d937-984b-4868-bac6-c88a0350376d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_b5e4576d-4d9a-4d6a-b922-b7d07d58659d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bb872139-5372-49cf-9da7-8e70a1bbd61d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_b5e4576d-4d9a-4d6a-b922-b7d07d58659d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_61c955ab-654d-4ecb-a522-7c14d2532824" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValueDisclosureAbstract_bb872139-5372-49cf-9da7-8e70a1bbd61d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_61c955ab-654d-4ecb-a522-7c14d2532824" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_f52e56ed-8ec4-48d6-aec9-45bd9aad6325" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_f52e56ed-8ec4-48d6-aec9-45bd9aad6325" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_4540767b-853f-46cb-ab5a-954d1aaea62c" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_sm_WarrantsPercentOfOutstandingStock_4540767b-853f-46cb-ab5a-954d1aaea62c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_25874b63-14c0-40da-8533-5b54d059d24f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_25874b63-14c0-40da-8533-5b54d059d24f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_WarrantTriggeringDateAmount_71873db4-a841-4b77-bb57-5ef875a86b34" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_WarrantTriggeringDateAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_sm_WarrantTriggeringDateAmount_71873db4-a841-4b77-bb57-5ef875a86b34" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_febf88bf-cf2c-4181-9e42-93b06adc7156" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_cf4fd50c-1efe-4650-93ab-c5d68f6f92dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_febf88bf-cf2c-4181-9e42-93b06adc7156" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasuresandDisclosuresPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#FairValueMeasuresandDisclosuresPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/FairValueMeasuresandDisclosuresPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_25debf98-7b8b-4839-a4ca-126fc4038e33" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_fb4ac448-0965-4cc1-ad60-8fe932a36ebe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_25debf98-7b8b-4839-a4ca-126fc4038e33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_fb4ac448-0965-4cc1-ad60-8fe932a36ebe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment_2bb5f1a4-dbe7-4208-ae58-a9fd9146ea01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_25debf98-7b8b-4839-a4ca-126fc4038e33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentImpairment_2bb5f1a4-dbe7-4208-ae58-a9fd9146ea01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#Leases"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_1c2a5186-2741-4399-9d11-f33a3d31ad5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_1b6c12e9-222f-450b-b0a1-07548aef9396" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_1c2a5186-2741-4399-9d11-f33a3d31ad5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_1b6c12e9-222f-450b-b0a1-07548aef9396" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#LeasesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_cc882143-165c-41b0-8759-12613cae94c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_798259d0-4c77-4ea7-be57-37cdd9371393" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_cc882143-165c-41b0-8759-12613cae94c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_798259d0-4c77-4ea7-be57-37cdd9371393" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_bf7759e2-8a5e-48a1-8c67-a6509bd9a653" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_cc882143-165c-41b0-8759-12613cae94c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_bf7759e2-8a5e-48a1-8c67-a6509bd9a653" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_sm_BalanceSheetInformationRelatedtoOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock_f6222583-089b-42a0-8611-dd0513cdd401" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#sm_BalanceSheetInformationRelatedtoOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_cc882143-165c-41b0-8759-12613cae94c8" xlink:to="loc_sm_BalanceSheetInformationRelatedtoOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock_f6222583-089b-42a0-8611-dd0513cdd401" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/LeaseParameterDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#LeaseParameterDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/LeaseParameterDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_1bf16237-a320-4d43-9317-73e294ee8a68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_39b62eab-7598-4b49-bd77-f01e989221a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_1bf16237-a320-4d43-9317-73e294ee8a68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_39b62eab-7598-4b49-bd77-f01e989221a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9ab9a046-8a8c-44f2-acb8-e1bc1ce1bf13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_39b62eab-7598-4b49-bd77-f01e989221a0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9ab9a046-8a8c-44f2-acb8-e1bc1ce1bf13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_9db30645-3e48-4085-be9f-97f77080527e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9ab9a046-8a8c-44f2-acb8-e1bc1ce1bf13" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_9db30645-3e48-4085-be9f-97f77080527e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_26c7ab5e-649c-43dd-bdd5-9ba8d7c2e936" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9db30645-3e48-4085-be9f-97f77080527e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_26c7ab5e-649c-43dd-bdd5-9ba8d7c2e936" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_58b00fa6-1bbf-4fa1-8ecf-ecd3188eae5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9db30645-3e48-4085-be9f-97f77080527e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_58b00fa6-1bbf-4fa1-8ecf-ecd3188eae5a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_5eb43967-644b-4098-893c-feebd2425cc0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_39b62eab-7598-4b49-bd77-f01e989221a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_5eb43967-644b-4098-893c-feebd2425cc0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_168412ce-0de6-499d-b217-756ccd70136d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_5eb43967-644b-4098-893c-feebd2425cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_168412ce-0de6-499d-b217-756ccd70136d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_b7875322-a742-4c99-bc2d-f607e510d047" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_5eb43967-644b-4098-893c-feebd2425cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_b7875322-a742-4c99-bc2d-f607e510d047" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_534d19ae-b0a3-4113-a584-cecd998552ab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_5eb43967-644b-4098-893c-feebd2425cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_534d19ae-b0a3-4113-a584-cecd998552ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/ComponentsoftotalleasecostDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#ComponentsoftotalleasecostDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/ComponentsoftotalleasecostDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_8c2de218-3fcc-4199-b60f-d6d1e8a4505a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_8c2de218-3fcc-4199-b60f-d6d1e8a4505a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_9346c889-37b8-45d1-b710-0e757d803d90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_9346c889-37b8-45d1-b710-0e757d803d90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_89839421-942a-4803-bd61-019c1a275858" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_89839421-942a-4803-bd61-019c1a275858" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_7d6ade94-de5b-4807-815f-983902504883" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_7d6ade94-de5b-4807-815f-983902504883" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_1452729b-0b8a-40b8-a4b5-07a5eac06fd3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_1452729b-0b8a-40b8-a4b5-07a5eac06fd3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePaymentsUse_602eb85d-8b1a-4352-8d21-64dd0d8c1151" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePaymentsUse"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePaymentsUse_602eb85d-8b1a-4352-8d21-64dd0d8c1151" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bfd8b061-f7b7-4d47-b084-ce3fb2ebc149" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_00eac167-9267-47f0-b897-726eb8702b92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bfd8b061-f7b7-4d47-b084-ce3fb2ebc149" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/OperatingleaseliabilitymaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#OperatingleaseliabilitymaturitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/OperatingleaseliabilitymaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_c0e74d8e-8565-46e5-a0f2-e3bad1555476" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_c0e74d8e-8565-46e5-a0f2-e3bad1555476" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_b20eb366-79d2-4985-864d-e307a8abb8f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_b20eb366-79d2-4985-864d-e307a8abb8f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_35d197e5-efa9-46f6-8e66-dd29b7db5ada" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_35d197e5-efa9-46f6-8e66-dd29b7db5ada" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_c0916ab9-0de6-4016-8f8d-1bd891d022f2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_c0916ab9-0de6-4016-8f8d-1bd891d022f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_8c133dbd-7e26-4ea6-9073-7fc41e967bba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_8c133dbd-7e26-4ea6-9073-7fc41e967bba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_4d7b4e3a-425b-40e4-b2a3-712c5908355b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_4d7b4e3a-425b-40e4-b2a3-712c5908355b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_820708b4-f0b9-4919-9ad2-a7f3eee9cb41" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_820708b4-f0b9-4919-9ad2-a7f3eee9cb41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_312f38d6-6d78-483a-b1fa-594fda1c53a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_312f38d6-6d78-483a-b1fa-594fda1c53a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_5667090a-a3c7-414f-b6e2-040908994538" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_5667090a-a3c7-414f-b6e2-040908994538" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_67322a48-acab-4aea-b5f9-900a03a7a915" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_478cf2d5-e05f-4212-8e3d-bf8081c4f1f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDiscountRate_67322a48-acab-4aea-b5f9-900a03a7a915" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://sm-energy.com/role/BalanceSheetinformationrelatedtooperatingleasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sm-20200930.xsd#BalanceSheetinformationrelatedtooperatingleasesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://sm-energy.com/role/BalanceSheetinformationrelatedtooperatingleasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_8f132c64-90d8-4ecc-b973-826cc9531c9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_20678c5b-d9f6-4e32-a7bb-803fe385c2dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_8f132c64-90d8-4ecc-b973-826cc9531c9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_20678c5b-d9f6-4e32-a7bb-803fe385c2dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_3df8c5a8-c812-453f-8df4-93bd23339aa6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_8f132c64-90d8-4ecc-b973-826cc9531c9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_3df8c5a8-c812-453f-8df4-93bd23339aa6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_9ec65f3d-bc6c-468d-99dd-4592cfd8a085" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_8f132c64-90d8-4ecc-b973-826cc9531c9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_9ec65f3d-bc6c-468d-99dd-4592cfd8a085" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
