Team Information
Ground | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
City | Dallas, Texas |
Conference | Atlantic Coast, |
Nickname | Mustangs |
About 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.
Name of Team | SMU Mustangs Football Team |
First season | 1915 |
Athletic director | Rick Hart |
Head coach | Rhett Lashlee 2nd season, 18–9 (.667) |
Stadium | Gerald J. Ford Stadium (capacity: 32,000 +) |
Location | University Park, Texas |
Conference | ACC |
Field surface | FieldTurf |
Conference titles | 12 (11 SWC, 1 AAC) |
Division titles | 2 (C-USA West Division) |
Fight song | "Peruna" "Pony Battle Cry" |
Mascot | Peruna |
Rivals | TCU (rivalry) North Texas (rivalry; dormant) Navy (rivalry; dormant) Rice (rivalry; dormant) |
Consensus All-Americans | 17 |
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.
Coach | Tenure | Record | Winning % |
Ray Morrison | 1915–1916 | 2–13–2 | .176 |
J. Burton Rix | 1917–1921 | 16–19–7 | .464 |
Ray Morrison | 1922–1934 | 82–31–20 | .692 |
Matty Bell | 1935–1941, 1945–1949 | 79–40–8 | .654 |
Jimmy Stewart | 1942–1944 | 10–18–2 | .367 |
Rusty Russell | 1950–1952 | 13–15–2 | .467 |
Woody Woodard | 1953–1956 | 19–20–1 | .488 |
Bill Meek | 1957–1961 | 17–29–4 | .380 |
Hayden Fry | 1962–1972 | 49–66–1 | .427 |
Dave Smith | 1973–1975 | 16–15–2 | .515 |
Ron Meyer | 1976–1981 | 34–32–1 | .515 |
Bobby Collins | 1982–1986 | 43–14–1 | .750 |
Forrest Gregg | 1989–1990 | 3–19 | .136 |
Tom Rossley | 1991–1996 | 15–48–3 | .250 |
Mike Cavan | 1997–2001 | 22–34 | .393 |
Phil Bennett | 2002–2007 | 18–52 | .257 |
June Jones | 2008–2014 | 36–43 | .456 |
Tom Mason (Interim) | 2014 | 1–9 | .100 |
Chad Morris | 2015–2017 | 14–22 | .389 |
Sonny Dykes | 2017–2021 | 30–17 | .638 |
Rhett Lashlee | 2022–present | 18–8 | .692 |
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.
Year | Coach | Selector | Record | Bowl | Opponent | Result | Final AP | Final Coaches |
1935 | Matty Bell | Berryman (QPRS), Dickinson System, Houlgate System, Sagarin Ratings, Sagarin (ELO-Chess) | 12–1 | Rose Bowl | Stanford | L 0–7 | – | – |
1981 | Ron Meyer | National Championship Foundation | 10–1 | – | – | – | No. 5 | – |
1982 | Bobby Collins | Helms Athletic Foundation | 11–0–1 | Cotton Bowl | Pittsburgh | W 7–3 | No. 2 | No. 2 |
Conference Championships:
SMU has won a total of 12 conference championships:
Ten outright championships.
Two shared championships.
Year | Conference | Coach | Record | Conference Record |
1923 | Southwest Conference | Ray Morrison | 9–0 | 5–0 |
1926 | 8–0–1 | 5–0 | ||
1931 | 9–1–1 | 5–0–1 | ||
1935 | Matty Bell | 12–1 | 6–0 | |
1940 | 8–1–1 | 5–1 | ||
1947 | 9–0–2 | 5–0–1 | ||
1948 | 9–1–1 | 5–0–1 | ||
1966 | Hayden Fry | 8–3 | 6–1 | |
1981 | Ron Meyer | 10–1 | 7–1 | |
1982 | Bobby Collins | 11–0–1 | 7–0–1 | |
1984 | 10–2 | 6–2 | ||
2023 | American Athletic Conference | Rhett Lashlee | 11–2 | 8–0 |
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.
Year | Division | Coach | Opponent | CG result |
2009 | Conference USA - West | June Jones | N/A lost the tie-breaker to Houston | |
2010 | UCF | L 7–17 |
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
FAQ's On SMU Mustangs Football
A. The season kicks off on August 24th with an away game against Nevada.
A. Tickets can be purchased online, with prices starting as low as $5 for some games.
A. Some notable opponents include TCU, Florida State, Louisville, and Pittsburgh.
A. The home stadium for the SMU Mustangs is Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas.
A. TV broadcast details are usually announced closer to game day, so stay tuned to your local sports networks for updates.