A general view of an SMU Mustangs helmet. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Cole Leinart, son of Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, commits to SMU

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Nov 6, 2024 10:40 PM ET

The SMU Mustangs are 8-1 and ranked No. 13 in the country. They're having a great season and that has translated onto the recruiting trail in the form of a big win at quarterback.

Cole Leinart, a three-star quarterback from Los Angeles, California, announced his commitment to SMU on Wednesday. He committed to the Mustangs over offers from Arizona, Colorado, Duke, Pitt and Utah.

Notably, Leinart is the son of former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, who won the Heisman Trophy with the Trojans in 2004 and was later selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Matt Leinart played six seasons in the NFL and is now a college football analyst for "Big Noon Kickoff" on Fox Sports 1.

Way to go bud. Proud of you. This is just the beginning! #ponyup https://t.co/AsU9pXiltl
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) November 6, 2024

On3 ranks Cole Leinart as the No. 64 quarterback in the 2026 class. 247Sports ranks him at No. 81 amongst 2026 quarterbacks.

Those aren't massive rankings, but the younger Cole Leinart does have pedigree on his side and he's still just a junior in high school, so it will be interesting to see if those rankings get better over the next year or so. It will also be interesting to see if Rhett Lashlee and the SMU staff can hold onto his commitment if his recruiting profile grows.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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