SMU Mustangs Football

In 2024, the SMU Mustangs football team gears up for its debut season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Under head coach Rhett Lashlee's guidance, they're set to showcase their skills at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas. Excitement brews as they embark on this new conference journey.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Introduction

The SMU Mustangs football team, hailing from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Dallas County, Texas, is ready to make waves in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Come 2024, they're set to enter the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), bidding farewell to their 11-year stint in the American Athletic Conference (The American). This shift marks a new chapter for the Mustangs, eager to showcase their talent on the field. Stay tuned as they embark on this exciting journey, representing SMU with pride and determination.

SMU Mustangs Football Team History

In the early 1900s, SMU's football journey began under coach Ray Morrison, who also handled baseball, basketball, and track. They competed in the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association at Armstrong Field, winning their debut game against Hendrix College. With Morrison's departure due to World War I, J. Burton Rix took over, leading them to a 3–2–3 record in 1917. Initially dubbed "the Parsons" for their theology students, they adopted the name "Mustangs" on October 17, 1917, marking a pivotal moment in their history as they transitioned to a new era in college football.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Coaches

Head Coach Profile:

Rhett Lashlee, born June 9, 1983, is an American college football coach leading Southern Methodist University's team. He played quarterback at the University of Arkansas before transitioning into coaching. Lashlee has held coaching roles at various institutions, including Auburn University, Arkansas State University, and the University of Miami. Known for his offensive expertise, he served as offensive coordinator at Miami from 2020 to 2021.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Stadium

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, located in Dallas, Texas, is the home turf of the SMU Mustangs football team. Named after billionaire banker Gerald J. Ford, who largely financed its construction, the stadium boasts Doak Walker Plaza, honoring the former Heisman Trophy winner. It features a replica of the Doak Walker Award trophy. The Loyd All-Sports Center, attached to the northwest corner, also provides essential facilities for SMU Athletics, including locker rooms and offices.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Rivals

TCU Horned Frogs

The rivalry between SMU and TCU, known as the "Battle for the Iron Skillet," dates back to 1915. This intense matchup stems from the two schools' proximity and longstanding football traditions. The winner claims possession of the Iron Skillet trophy, adding extra incentive to the game. It's a fierce competition fueled by regional pride and a desire for bragging rights.

Houston Cougars

The rivalry between SMU and Houston is fueled by conference competition and geographical proximity. Known as the "Bayou Bucket Classic," this matchup has intensified over the years, with both teams vying for dominance in the AAC. The rivalry is marked by close games and dramatic finishes, making it a must-watch for fans of both schools. The annual showdown brings out the best in both teams as they battle for supremacy in Texas football.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Record and Stats

Here are the details regarding the SMU Mustangs football team's championships and conference titles:

National Championships:

1935: Under coach Matty Bell, SMU claimed a national championship, recognized by several NCAA-designated major selectors. They finished with a record of 12–1 but lost in the Rose Bowl to Stanford.

1981: Under coach Ron Meyer, SMU secured another national championship recognized by the National Championship Foundation, finishing with a record of 10–1.

1982: Under coach Bobby Collins, SMU clinched its third national championship, recognized by the Helms Athletic Foundation. They finished the season with an 11–0–1 record, winning the Cotton Bowl against Pittsburgh.

Conference Championships:

SMU has won a total of 12 conference championships:

Ten outright championships.

Two shared championships.

Division Championships:

SMU has won two division championships:

2009, they were co-champions of the Conference USA West division, although they lost the tie-breaker to Houston.

2010, they won the UCF division but lost in the Conference USA Championship Game to UCF.

These achievements highlight SMU's historical success in college football, showcasing its ability to compete at the conference and national levels.

SMU Mustangs Football Team Roster

Current Players:

Camar Wheaton (RB)

Brandon Crossley (S)

Brashard Smith (RB)

Jonathan McGill (S)

Preston Stone (QB)

Romello Brinson (WR)

Ahmaad Moses (S)

Jaylan Knighton (RB)

Jahari Rogers (CB)

Moochie Dixon (WR)

Elijah Roberts (DE)

Jahfari Harvey (DE)

Keldric Luster (QB)

Kevin Jennings (QB)

JaQwondis Burns (LB)

Jordan Hudson (WR)

Mike Lockhart (DT)

Key'Shawn Smith (WR)

Anthony Booker Jr. (DT)

Jamarion Carroll (WR)

LJ Johnson Jr. (RB)

Je'lin Samuels (DE)

Jake Bailey (WR)

Isaiah Nwokobia (S)

Roderick Daniels Jr. (WR)

Jaelyn Davis-Robinson (CB)

Tyler Aronson (QB)

AJ Davis (CB)

Jaxson Lavender (WR)

Cameron Robertson (DE)

David Abiara (DE)

Ashton Cozart (WR)

Derrick McFall (WR/RB)

Zach Smith (LB)

Kyron Chambers (CB)

Clyde Pittman (QB)

Cale Sanders Jr. (S)

Kobe Wilson (LB)

Justin Medlock (LB)

Zane Minors (RB)

Abdul Muhammad (S)

Brandon Booker (LB)

Charlie Fiser (QB)

Brandon Miyazono (LB)

Omari Abor (DE)

Carter Campbell (WR)

Zach Hernandez (RB)

Joey Bruszer (WR)

Michael De Hoyos (CB)

Meyer Pereira (WR)

Case Holleron (WR)

Ahmad Walker (LB)

Henry Stickler (WR)

Braeden Flowers (DE)

Cooper Reed (WR)

Maddox Fuller (QB)

Keaton Cheves (WR)

Collin Rogers (K)

Stone Eby (FB)

Ned Righellis (TE)

Markus Schumacher (TE)

IV Webb (LB)

Keller Stafford (LS)

Will Benton IV (LS)

Isaac Pearson (P)

Justin Osborne (OL)

Sean Kane (LB)

Marcus Chan (LS)

Jakai Clark (OL)

Savion Byrd (OL)

Alexander Kilgore (LB)

Isaiah Smith (DE)

PJ Williams (OL)

Hunter Ryan (OL)

Henry Douglass (OL)

Jack Laphen (OL)

Max Yao (OL)

Sean Scott (OL)

Nate Anderson (OL)

Paxton Briggle (OL)

Logan Parr (OL)

Caleb Johnson (OL)

Ben Sparks (OL)

Keaton Schultz (OL)

Alex Woods (OL)

Reagan Gill (OL)

RJ Maryland (TE)

Tripp Riordan (TE)

Adam Moore (TE)

Davis Hawkins (TE)

Randy Reece (WR)

Sam Eccles (P)

Dylan Hinshaw (DE)

Kori Roberson Jr. (DT)

Kevin Allen (DT)

Braylen Jackson (DT)

Jonathan Jefferson (DT)

Michael Tadros (P)

Matt Baer (DE)

SMU Mustangs Football Team Schedule

1. August 24 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: University of Nevada

Location: Reno, Nevada

2. August 31 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Houston Baptist

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

3. September 6 (Friday) TBD

Opponent: Brigham Young University (BYU)

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

4. September 21 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: TCU

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

5. September 28 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Florida State

Special Event: Family Weekend

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

6. October 5 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Louisville

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

7. October 19 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Stanford

Location: Stanford, California

8. October 26 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Duke

Location: Durham, North Carolina

9. November 2 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Pittsburgh

Special Event: Homecoming

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

10. November 16 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Boston College

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

11. November 23 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: Virginia

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

12. November 30 (Saturday) TBD

Opponent: California (Cal)

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas