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USC legend and Heisman Trophy winner's son Cole Leinart commits to SMU Mustang's 2026 recruiting class
As the 2025 recruiting cycle reaches its climax, some of the top prospects in the Class of 2026 are also going off the board, including three-star quarterback Cole Leinart. The son of former Heisman Trophy winner, Matt Leinart, Cole pledged his allegiance to the SMU Mustangs on November 6, 2024.
He became the Mustangs' second commit after Lancaster cornerback Victor Lincoln, who announced his commitment on September 22. The 6′3″ quarterback chose the Mustangs over other top programs such as Colorado, Arizona, Utah, UNLV, Pittsburgh and Duke.
Leinart spoke about his commitment to the Texas-based university and the Mustangs' culture under head coach, Rhett Lashlee.
"I love the culture, what they are building, the coaches," the California native told On3. "Love everything about it. Just the culture with what Coach Lashlee is building. I love the staff and everyone around the program. It feels like a family."
SMU had the best odds of landing the three-star prospect, as per On3. The recruiting website gave the Mustangs a 67.2% chance of acquiring the recruit. Cole Leinart is ranked No.733 nationally and is the 64th-best quarterback in the Class of 2025, as per On3. He is also the 86th-best overall prospect from the state of California.
Cole Leinart's father Matt Leinart proud of his son after his commitment to SMU
The SMU Mustangs secured the commitment of three-star quarterback, Cole Leinart. The Class of 2026 quarterback was in attendance during the Mustangs' game against Pittsburgh.
Cole's father, Matt Leinart, expressed his excitement on X and congratulated his son for taking the next step in his football career.
"Way to go bud. Proud of you. This is just the beginning!," the former USC quarterback wrote on X.
The quarterback has led his Redondo High School to a record of 8-2 this season. He has played six games for the Sea Hawks so far and has racked up 732 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has completed 55.2% of his pass attempts and has a QB rating of 102.4 this season.
The Mustangs are having a great season in the ACC. They are 8-1 through nine games and on a six-game win streak. SMU has beaten out TCU, Florida State, Louisville and Pittsburgh and will take on Boston College on November 17.
SMU's Class of 2026 is currently ranked No.52 in the country, as per 247Sports. The program will look to add more top-end talent from the class going forward.
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