SMU Football Head Coach Rhett Lashlee recently joined Shan and RJ on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) to discuss SMU’s strong football season, key moments and more.
The interview has been edited for clarity.
At what time this year did you realize you had something with this team?
Lashley: “You know, I thought going into the season we had a team that could win the league, I really did. I felt like our roster, you know, was good enough. And I felt like we really made improvements on defense. And I felt like, you know, all of that was Like an opportunity to prepare for us. And I liked our team chemistry during fall camp, but we had to go do it. I think the first time was when I went to Oklahoma and played really well for them. I really felt like we should have won the game. And it kind of didn’t end in Fourth quarter. But I think the way we competed specifically on defense gave our players a lot of confidence. And then, you know, we played probably our worst game of the year, which was the rivalry game against TCU. And I think after that we really started to figure out who we were When attacking.
“We won our first two conference games and then we went on the road. We played a Temple team that, you know, didn’t have their best team. I’m not saying they were, they were great but I think we were pretty low down in the league.” And, you know, it was just preparation for us to go up, you know, and not play well and get let down. And not only did we beat them, we beat them 55-0 on the road. And that’s how we did it. And if you were there you feel that “I left there saying, ‘Okay, we get it. Our team gets it.’ They’re mature, they know how to show up every week. And at that point, I didn’t really think we were going to lose again.”
Do you think SMU is a sleeping giant that has all the resources needed to return the team to glory? What was the energy like on campus?
Lashley: “It’s at an all-time high. I think the funny thing is there was a lot of expectations for something we haven’t done in 41 years. We came out and I think we improved things in some way, and we won. This is the fifth year in a row we’ve won And we go to a bowl game and all that. And so, you know, they got the win and there was expectation, in a good way. And that’s what you want in your show. But it was interesting, because again, we hadn’t done this in a long time. And it was like, Man, if we don’t do this, it’s going to be a failure. Right? And so there was a lot of energy, but there was a lot of, you know, ‘Hey, we need to do this.’ And I think what we’re saying and what you’re saying is that we know That there’s a lot of potential here. But all that means is that you haven’t done it yet. So what was really great, and probably the most satisfying part is our team or our players, our staff was able to withstand those expectations and pressures week after week, and everyone felt That we have to do this. We need to do this. We have the team to do it. And we did it. You have to break through and actually do it at some point.
“I agree with you. I think I think we’re a sleeping giant. I think we’re in a very good position. Everything is hitting at the same time. The city of Dallas is embracing this. And most importantly, the kids you’re recruiting in Dallas are embracing us as a Dallas team, and they want to come to SMU, right there.” A lot of hype about us going to the ACC that we won, and the new facility, and all the stuff. But you have to do it, and so for us to actually do it was huge for SMU.
Have you guys gotten more attention from recruiters since the ACC move?
Lashley: “Absolutely. You know, I mean, over the last five years, the program was kind of on the rise, and there was a little bit of hype and we were winning, and, well, great SMU is doing some things. A lot of kids in the Dallas Metroplex wanted to come and stay home and go To SMU, like they’ll come on visits, and you’ll get into the top three or top five, with a lot of ‘power schools.’ ‘But when it comes down to decision time, it’s like man, I want to come in but coach I want to play on the biggest stage. I want to play against Florida State, Miami, Clemson, you know what I mean? And we weren’t in a position to do that. Ultimately, that’s why a lot of kids might not choose to come here. But then when they transfer, they come back, because They wanted to come here all the time.
“The moment the ACC news came out, it was like breaking the seal, it was really like the final step in getting ourselves to where we can compete at this level with all the schools in the four power programs in our state. And I think you’ve already seen that, as If there were some kids in the class of ’24, you know, flipping or committing and coming here, but the kids in the class of ’25 who are juniors now will be the first class you’re going to get in. I really see the whole feeling of going to the ACC to win a championship, all of that. And now we have the class of 10. The top ones, you know, all five kids are committed or better four stars. We’ve never seen that many students in one class in our history. And so you start to see kids going, “Okay, now I can go there because I know that next year, State is coming up.” Florida to Ford Stadium.’ And over the next year, Clemson will come, I’ll go to Miami, etc. And now they know they can come to SMU and stay in Dallas and compete on that national stage.
Find more SMU coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
The Mustangs have long been a force to be reckoned with in collegiate athletics, and they are now poised to take their rightful place in the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference. With a strong tradition of success and a dedicated fan base, the Mustangs have all the makings of a powerhouse program in the ACC. As they continue to build and grow their athletic programs, it is clear that the Mustangs are truly a sleeping giant, ready to make a big impact in the ACC and beyond. With their talented athletes and passionate supporters, the future looks bright for the Mustangs as they set their sights on ACC success.