SMU took the spotlight second at Media Day, and Head Coach Rhett Lashlee delivered a candid and confident address. Lashlee highlighted the remarkable transformation of the SMU football program, citing back-to-back 11-win seasons that have energized the fan base and elevated the program’s profile within the Dallas sports landscape.

At Big Ten and ACC media days this week, the SEC has been a regular subject of conversation. It's a sign of the league's strength and influence

Mark Stoops had a strong response to SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee's jab at the SEC saying the conference lacks depth.

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is pro-College Football Playoff expansion, but wants to make it clear no Power 4 conference should receive more auto-bids than any others.

The 42-year-old Lashlee is entering his fourth season as SMU's head coach and has been excellent during his time in Dallas. In 2022, he led the Mustangs to a 7–6 record, but since has authored back-to-back 11–3 seasons and led them to the first round of the College Football Playoff in 2024.

Without a doubt, SMU was one of the best teams in the ACC in 2024. Ideally, it was a run that Virginia and Virginia Tech would like to make--an ACC Championship game appearance and College Football Playoff appearance as well. The Mustangs were hungry for success and to prove their worth as they transitioned to a power four conference.

Shortly after Finebaum’s on-air rebuke, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin added his voice to the fray via Instagram, sharing Lashlee’s original comments and tagging Finebaum’s show account with the message, “Get him @finebaumshow.”