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Rhett Lashlee visits SMU QB commit Cole Leinart

On3 imageby: Billy Embody01/28/25BillyEmbody

2026 Los Angeles (Calif.) Redondo Union quarterback Cole Leinart committed to SMU this fall, fresh off a visit to the Hilltop. Now, Rhett Lashlee and his staff paid him a visit out west. Lashlee was joined by quarterbacks coach D’Eriq King and wide receivers coach Rob Likens, which you can see below.

“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. Just the culture with what Coach Lashlee is building. I love the staff and everyone around the program. It feels like a family.”

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“Being a parent is the greatest gift anyone can receive,” Cole’s dad and legendary USC quarterback Matt Leinart said after. “To be able to watch my oldest and his journey has been incredible. I’ve always told him this is about you, your journey, your goals. If you want it go get it. And son you have, you’ve earned this and you deserve it but it’s only the beginning. The work starts now. I’m so proud of you Cole no matter what happens. Love you!”

Leinart visited SMU in the fall and watched the Mustangs crush Pitt, 48-25. He is one of two commitments for Rhett Lashlee and Co. in the 2026 cycle, flanking Yoakum (Tex.) four-star wide receiver X’Zavier Barnett.

Matt Leinart is a former USC QB, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL veteran, who is now broadcasting for FOX. Leinart excelled as a Trojan before being taken No. 10 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2006 NFL Draft. Matt played seven seasons, where he started 18 times and won eight games.

Cole, a 6-3, 180-pound signal-caller, also held offers from the likes of Arizona, Colorado, Duke, Pitt and Utah. Leinart is ranked as a three-star prospect by multiple recruiting services. SMU landed a QB in its 2025 class via IMG Academy four-star Ty Hawkins, who flipped from TCU last year.

Cole Leinart is the No. 831 overall prospect and No. 71 QB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 91 junior in the Golden State.