SMU Reflects on Remarkable Rise Back to National Prominence

Thirty years after the Southwest Conference was dissolved, SMU has firmly reestablished itself among the college elite.

The Mustangs marked the anniversary of their departure from the SWC by reflecting on just how far the athletic department has come since joining the ACC in July 2024.

What once seemed like an ambitious vision has quickly become reality, as SMU has enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in school history over its first two years in a power conference.

READ MORE: Tweet-Storm! SMU Mustangs QB Kevin Jennings Touted As No. 1 College QB

The move to the ACC has elevated the university on and off the field. SMU has captured conference championships, earned a berth in the College Football Playoff, reached the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and generated unprecedented levels of financial support from donors and fans.

And specifically for the basketball team, this year marked the first time in nine years that the team made it to the NCAA tournament.

READ MORE: 4-Star WR Chooses SMU 'Brotherhood' As Mustangs Get 2029 Boost

Athletic director Damon Evans believes the early returns have validated the university's long-term vision.

"Our first two years in the ACC have confirmed what the SMU community always believed was possible," Evans said. "Our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors and supporters have embraced the opportunity and challenge of competing at the highest level. We are proud of what we've accomplished together, but we're even more excited about what comes next."

The football program has been at the forefront of that resurgence.

Head coach Rhett Lashlee guided the Mustangs into the College Football Playoff shortly after making the jump to the ACC, proving the program could immediately compete against some of the nation's best. That breakthrough season helped transform the perception of SMU nationally, while continued success has kept the Mustangs firmly in the conversation entering the 2026 campaign.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is how quickly the transition has paid off. For years, many wondered whether SMU could successfully return to the highest level of college athletics after decades outside a major conference. Two years into ACC membership, the answer appears to be a resounding yes.

The Mustangs are no longer trying to prove they belong. They've already done that.

Now, the focus shifts toward sustaining that success and continuing to build a national brand capable of competing for conference championships, College Football Playoff appearances and national titles for years to come.