SMU Wins ACC Title, Boosts Donations, Enters Playoff

SMU's bold move to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024 has paid off significantly, as they finished the season with an 11-3 record and an undefeated 8-0 conference run, reaching the ACC Championship game before falling to Clemson. Their success earned them a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and a $4 million payout from the ACC's success initiative, validating their place among Power Four conference teams. Head coach Rhett Lashlee emphasized the team's strong brotherhood and resilience, which helped them compete at an elite level despite being newcomers. The move has also sparked unprecedented fan and donor support, with the Mustang Club raising over $65 million, a $10 million increase from the previous year, and football season ticket sales doubling, resulting in a 157% revenue increase. This surge in support and revenue marks the highest interest in the program since the NCAA's 'death penalty' sanctions in 1987. Looking ahead, SMU aims to build on this momentum and return to the ACC Championship game in their second year in the conference.