Rhett Lashlee Highlights Lack of New SEC Champions in 60 Years

ACC coach Rhett Lashlee spent time at ACC Media Days taking a sharp swing at the SEC.

In a moment that echoed around the room, he said the SEC has been dominated by the same six schools since 1964, suggesting that this indicates a lack of depth.

“As long as the same six schools have won the SEC since 1964, not a single one is different. That’s top-heavy, that’s not depth,” Lashlee made clear, pressing the argument that depth, not just visibility, drives league strength.

The point set social media into a frenzy: the SEC, flush with media deals and national attention, still leans heavily on six elite programs to define its success. Lashlee contrasted that with the ACC’s growing number of competitive threats, pitching his league as increasingly balanced.

Lashlee, now leading SMU in the ACC, backed his statement during a session meant to celebrate conference parity. He reflected what fans have long felt: big-money leagues can still overlook true conference strength beyond a handful of powerhouse schools.

It was a calculated rhetorical move, a coach in one Power Four league calling attention to the predictable hierarchy of another. Lashlee chose not to name names, yet his point landed on the institution, not just on individuals.

As conference reshuffling continues and TV contracts dominate the narrative, Lashlee’s jab serves as a reminder that league depth isn’t determined by branding alone. Winning across more schools matters, and by that measure, the SEC may have some catching up to do.