SMU Coach Rhett Lashlee Calls Out 'Arbitrary' Preseason Rating Systems

Preseason rankings, power indexes, and strength of schedule measurements are just a few of the summertime metrics used to rank teams ahead of the college football season.

They're effective in stirring conversation and building anticipation for the fans ahead of the fall, while also giving insight into which teams might be the most competitive.

But the ones on the inside don't see it that way. Just ask SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee.

READ MORE: SMU Lands 2 Stars on AVCA Player of the Year Watch List

His Mustangs are expected to be one of the top ACC programs yet again in 2026 with star quarterback Kevin Jennings still under center. The Ponies are ranked inside the top-25 preseason rankings by multiple publications. Not to say that Lashlee might disagree with that endorsement, but he disapproves of the practice to begin with.

"Whenever some of y’all figure out how we can have pre-season strength of schedules and power rankings before anybody has played a game, y’all let me know," the coach said at this month's ACC Media Days.

He continued on social media this week.

"It’s so obvious, yet rarely ever questioned," Lashlee said. "Last year doesn’t matter anymore AT ALL. We have NO idea who anyone is yet - so it’s impossible to have strength of schedule or FPI yet … there’s literally NO data to go off. Nothing to measure, compare or judge yet. However, we create this arbitrary baseline to begin the year."

For reference, SMU ranks No. 24 in ESPN's football power index (FPI), a cumulative metric that compiles teams' projected win percentages. The Mustangs have a projected record of 8-4, a 91 percent chance of reaching bowl eligibility with six wins, and an 18 percent chance of making this year's CFP.

Lashlee makes the point that it is nearly impossible to predict the outcomes of each team's 12-game schedule. Mid-season injuries, uncharacteristically poor performances, or random circumstances that interfere with a team's preparation or game plan occur every week.

Furthermore, teams are completely different than they are from the year prior in this new transfer portal era, again, relaying to Lashlee's point about a previous year not mattering.

READ MORE: Mustangs Are Built to Steal ACC Crown in 2026

Most coaches choose to avoid media-driven dialogue about a team's projections or preseason rankings for many of the reasons Lashlee mentioned.

I'd bet the Lashlee distances himself, too, from the distraction these factors could create mentally when he has the opportunity to.

The advisory goes out to the fans. Don't buy too much stock into preseason numbers when, as Lashlee surveys, there are no real numbers to build a perspective with.