BREAKING: 2026 QB Cole Leinart commits to SMU
2026 Los Angeles (Calif.) Redondo Union quarterback Cole Leinart committed to SMU, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Wednesday.
“I love the culture, what they are building, the coaches,” Leinart told On3’s Steve Wiltfong as to why he picked the Mustangs. “Love everything about it.”
Leinart visited SMU last weekend and watched the Mustangs crush Pitt, 48-25. He now becomes the second commitment for Rhett Lashlee and Co. in the 2026 cycle, flanking Lancaster (Tex.) cornerback Victor Lincoln.
Leinart is the son of former USC QB, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL veteran Matt Leinart. The 6-3, 180-pound signal-caller also held offers from the likes of Arizona, Colorado, Duke, Pitt and Utah.
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For head coach Rhett Lashlee, the winning and lofty rankings from its 8-1 record is paying off into the 2026 class. While SMU recruits Dallas hard, the brand is becoming more national with the move to the ACC as well.
“The No. 1 thing you can do for recruiting is always win,” Lashlee said after SMU beat TCU. “You know, to win a rivalry game in our stadium the way we did, it’s a big boost. I think recruits already felt it, but it just kind of further validates (their beliefs). You know, we’re Dallas’ college football team, which is big for recruiting. Everybody within 34-35 miles of here, and if we’re playing well, that really helps us try to keep those guys home and playing in Dallas. Only in Dallas can you have Troy Aikman flipping the coin and the mayor here and all the things that happen and so it’s a big boost.”
Cole Leinart is ranked as a three-star prospect by multiple recruiting services. SMU also has a QB commitment in its 2025 class via IMG Academy four-star Ty Hawkins, who flipped from TCU earlier this year.
