SMU coach Rhett Lashlee calls SEC a 'top-heavy' league

Field Level Media|published: Tue 22nd July, 17:12 2025

Jul 22, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Methodist head coach Rhett Lashlee answers questions from the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee isn't quietly entering the 2025 season. He is firing shots.

His main target was the Southeastern Conference, a league that views itself as the best in college football.

But Lashlee's not so sure the SEC is loaded with quality teams.

"The SEC has had the same six schools win the championship since 1964," Lashlee said at ACC Kickoff on Tuesday in Charlotte. "Not a single one has been different since 1964. That's top-heavy to me. That's not depth."

Those six programs to collect every title since 1964 were Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee. There is one exception: Kentucky shared the 1976 title with Georgia.

SMU qualified for a College Football Playoff spot last season ahead of SEC teams like Alabama, South Carolina and Ole Miss.

Making it more impressive is that it came in the Mustangs' first season in the ACC. SMU went 8-0 in conference regular-season play, lost to Clemson in the ACC title game and to Penn State in the first-round of the CFP to finish 11-3.

Lashlee is bullish on the ACC's accomplishments as a conference.

"We have national brands. We've won championships. The revenue is almost double who's fourth," Lashlee said. "We have our own network, the competition, the investment. I just think it speaks for itself. Most people want to see things decided on the field, so let's let it happen that way."

Lashlee is among the coaches who want to see the CFP increased to 16 teams.

"I think we need to reimagine the College Football Playoff," Lashlee said. "It's at a time where I know that's being discussed. The players and the fans come first. That's what we're supposed to be about. I think more is always better. I know it's out there. I think 16 teams would be great, more access for more teams, more players, more conferences."

The Mustangs figured to be one of the top teams in the ACC again this season. One of their returners is star quarterback Kevin Jennings, who passed for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and added five rushing scores in 2024.

"I think we had a really good season last year," Jennings said. "It didn't end how we wanted it to end, but I think this upcoming year, our end goal is to win it all, win the conference championship. That would be a good season for me."

--Field Level Media