SMU rewards HC Rhett Lashlee with extension

The extension is much deserved for Lashlee, given the success the Mustangs program has experienced under his leadership.

Since the 2023 season began, SMU has a 20-4 record (.833), tied for the sixth-best win percentage nationally. That run includes an American Athletic Conference championship in 2023 before the Mustangs joined the ACC as part of the conference realignment.

In its first season as an ACC member, SMU currently sits at No. 13 in the CFP rankings. The Mustangs are the only team without a loss in conference play, having only lost to Big 12 member and 14th-ranked BYU in Week 2.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings and a potent rushing attack lead SMU. While Jennings has 2,198 passing yards and 15 TDs, he has been impressive on the ground, with 316 yards and an additional three TDs.

With 12 TDs rushing, Brashard Smith has 1,026 yards on the ground, leading the team by a substantial margin.

With wins over Louisville and Pittsburgh, who have since fallen out of the rankings, SMU does not have a win over a current-ranked opponent. 

Regardless, the Mustangs have everything in front of them, with games against unranked Virginia and Cal left on their schedule.

Keep in mind that the four highest-ranked conference champions secure the top four seeds and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

If the Mustangs win out, Lashlee will have this team in the ACC title game as a first-year conference member with that all-important playoff spot on the line.