Sorry, Arkansas fans. SMU signs coach Rhett Lashlee to 2-year contract extension

SMU has extended head football coach Rhett Lashlee's contract by two years, as announced on November 1, 2025. Lashlee, 42, has led the Mustangs to a 34-15 record over four seasons and successfully transitioned the team into the ACC. Last season, SMU achieved an 11-3 record and participated in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The extension places Lashlee among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in college football, according to reports, although specific terms were not disclosed.

Lashlee was considered a candidate for several open positions in the FBS, including at Arkansas, where he previously played quarterback. His contract extension follows similar moves by other programs, with Indiana's Curt Cignetti and Nebraska's Matt Rhule also securing new deals amid coaching vacancies. Lashlee's tenure at SMU has been marked by high-scoring offenses, ranking in the top 15 nationally in scoring for three consecutive seasons.