Is SMU Mustangs’ Rise Under Rhett Lashlee the Most FASCINATING Story at ACC Kickoff This Year?

SMU Mustangs seize the spotlight at ACC Kickoff as head coach Rhett Lashlee doubles down on selling the program’s vision and stability. Can SMU’s rising profile and unique recruiting strategy disrupt the ACC hierarchy? Grayson Singleton breaks down why Lashlee resisted SEC overtures, opting instead for organizational stability and a bold plan to make Dallas’ best players stay home. Lashlee’s approach: quality over quantity in recruiting, emphasizing a small but impactful class built around standout prospects like quarterback Malachi Ziegler. Kevin Jennings’ breakout week continues as he inks an NIL deal with Nike and cements his status as a face of SMU football. Could Jennings’ growing national profile propel the Mustangs back to the ACC Championship Game and into College Football Playoff contention? Singleton explores the shifting criteria for elite coaching jobs, the impact of new eligibility rules on SMU’s recruiting class, and what Jennings’ star turn could mean for the Mustangs’ 2026 campaign. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.