UNIVERSITY PARK — SMU knew the move to a power conference could change its program forever from a recruiting standpoint.
Now, with its second class since joining the ACC beginning to sign Wednesday, it’s continue to see the jump pay off.
College football’s early signing period opened Wednesday, and SMU began signing its 2026 class, which so far is its highest-ranked class in program history. The Mustangs have the No. 24 class in the country, per 247Sports, passing last year’s class, which finished at a program-record 32nd nationally.
“I think it really validates the long-term vision we have,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “If we want to sustain it and build it for the long-haul, which we do, you’ve got to back back-to-back to back type classes. We’re in Dallas. We’re in the ACC. We’re winning, so we can attract those kids now.”
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Twelve of SMU’s 23 signees out of high school and JUCO Wednesday rank in the program’s top-25 recruits of all time.
This year, the Mustangs focused much of their efforts on the trenches, bringing in 11 offensive and defensive linemen.
“Where games are won and lost always is the focus for us,” Lashlee said.
That group is highlighted by arguable SMU’s best offensive line class in program history.
“I’m not so sure it might not be the best o-line class in the country,” Lashlee said. “I’ll let you guys judge that.”
Offensive line coach Garin Justice flipped two SEC commits — Alabama commit Sam Utu from California and Texas commit Max Wright from Melissa. He also landed four-star Evan Goodwin and two local linemen in Flower Mound’s Drew Evers and Euless Trinity’s Pupungatoa Katoa.
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Between the offensive and defensive lines, SMU’s smallest player clocks in at 6-3.5. Three are over 6-7.
“They already have the size that is needed to play at this level,” Lashlee said.
Lashlee and his staff also took pride in signing 15 players from Texas, including nine from D-FW. SMU says it has signed more players from the Metroplex than any program in the Power 4.
And some of those players received high praise and comparisons to former Mustangs, including running back Christian Rhodes from Lake Highlands.
“I remember when we flipped Christian Rhodes’ film on a little over a year ago. His running style is unique. It kind of reminds you of a young Eric Dickerson — to go ahead and put unfair expectations on him,” Lashlee said.
Duncanville product Zachery Turner is one of the highest-rated tight ends in the state.
“I think of when RJ Maryland was a freshman and came in here and the instant impact he had, I think Zach has that ability,” Lashlee said.
At the center of the class is three-star quarterback commit Cole Leinart, son of former USC quarterback and Heisman winner Matt Leinart.
Lashlee addressed how expectations could be especially high for the young quarterback given his family success.
“We recruited Cole for who Cole is,” Lashlee said. “The fact that his last name is what it is — it’s probably stuff he’s had to deal with his whole life. That’s good because his dad was super successful and still is. And I think Cole has that same mindset. You can see the intangibles that his dad had. He’s a better athlete than his dad.”
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