Former Rhett Lashlee, once the offensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers, has thrived in his first full-time head coaching role with the SMU Mustangs, turning the program into a consistent contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2024.
Although SMU experienced a slight dip in 2025, Brad Crawford of CBS Sports expects the Mustangs to regain the level of prominence they showed in their debut Power 4 season, when they reached the College Football Playoff. He projects an 11-win ceiling and is optimistic about their chances to capture the ACC title, especially with no regular-season matchup against the Miami Hurricanes in 2026. Crawford pointed out that a daunting road game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend appears to be the only clear obstacle, noting that SMU’s strong transfer additions and returning talent in the trenches bolster their outlook. Lashlee, he added, has every reason to feel confident about a conference title push.
Lashlee’s decision to remain at SMU through multiple coaching cycles stands out as a rare example of loyalty in today’s game. While the program’s transition to top-tier Division I football has been highly successful, questions still linger about just how high the Mustangs’ ceiling can be.
That uncertainty isn’t necessarily tied to the ACC’s competitiveness—often viewed as the third-strongest Power 4 league—where teams like the Louisville Cardinals and Miami present the biggest challenges. Instead, it stems from SMU’s smaller national profile and its location in a market dominated by the Dallas Cowboys.
Still, there’s little reason to believe SMU is capped. The university benefits from a powerful and wealthy alumni base in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, one of the richest regions in the United States. A recent $50 million donation from influential families, along with the $200 million investment required to join the ACC, highlights the level of financial backing behind the program.
With strong institutional support and favorable NIL opportunities in Texas, SMU appears well-positioned for sustained success. Under Lashlee, the Mustangs aren’t just stable—they’re poised to be a major force in the years ahead.
