2026 QB Cole Leinart talks commitment to SMU

Los Angeles (Calif.) Redondo Union 2026 quarterback Cole Leinart committed to head coach Rhett Lashlee and SMU on Wednesday following a visit to the Mustangs campus to watch them beat Pittsburgh in a pivotal ACC showdown.

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Leinart also had opportunities from UNLV, San Jose State, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Duke and the Panthers among others.

“I love the culture, what they are building, the coaches,” Leinart told On3. “Love everything about it.”

The son of former Heisman Trophy winner, National Champion and first round NFL Draft pick Matt Leinart, the younger Leinart becomes commit No. 2 for Lashlee and company in the 2026 cycle.

Behind an offense that ranks No. 7 nationally in scoring, Leinart watched SMU improve to 8-1 and 5-0 in the ACC. They sit at No. 13 nationally and are certainly in the mix to play in the College Football Playoff.

“Just the culture with what Coach Lashlee is building,” Leinart said when asked why he believes they’re having so much success. “I love the staff and everyone around the program.

“It feels like a family.”