Oct 21 | Football
HOUSTON, Texas (SMU) – SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has been named to the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year Award watch list, the organization in partnership with the American Heart Association announced Wednesday.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field. This award is the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined.
Once again, the Mustangs are off to a strong start under the fifth-year head coach. With the win over Virginia over the weekend, Lashlee has now won 10 straight ACC home games, he is 17-3 in conference play overall, 32-6 in his last regular season games and 43-17 during his tenure thus far.
The watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by the National Sports Media Association and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team, comprised of members of the Bryant family and community leaders who come together to support the campaign.
This season, combined with the stellar quarterback play of Kevin Jennings, the offense has been nothing short of prolific. At 326.0 yards per game, SMU ranks No. 2 in the ACC and No. 5 in the country in passing offense. The team's total offense numbers sit at 466.7 yards per contest, good enough for third-best in the conference and No. 15 in the country.
The 2026 Watch List includes (in alphabetical order):
David Braun, Northwestern University (Big Ten Conference)
Troy Calhoun, Air Force (Mountain West Conference)
Bob Chesney, UCLA (Big Ten Conference)
Curt Cignetti, Indiana University (Big Ten Conference)
Mario Cristobal, University of Miami (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Spencer Danielson, Boise State University (Pac-12 Conference)
Ryan Day, Ohio State University (Big Ten Conference)
Kalen DeBoer, University of Alabama (Southeastern Conference)
Jake Dickert, Wake Forest University (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Eli Drinkwitz, University of Missouri (Southeastern Conference)
Jason Eck, University of New Mexico (Mountain West Conference)
Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa (Big Ten Conference)
Marcus Freeman, University of Notre Dame (Independent)
Willie Fritz, University of Houston (Big 12 Conference)
Pete Golding, University of Mississippi (Southeastern Conference)
Josh Heupel, University of Tennessee (Southeastern Conference)
Charles Huff, University of Memphis (American Athletic Conference)
Rhett Lashlee, Southern Methodist University (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Joey McGuire, Texas Tech University (Big 12 Conference)
Eric Morris, Oklahoma State University (Big 12 Conference)
Billy Napier, James Madison University (Sun Belt Conference)
Tim Polasek, North Dakota State University (Mountain West Conference)
Lincoln Riley, USC (Big Ten Conference)
Steve Sarkisian, University of Texas (Southeastern Conference)
Morgan Scalley, University of Utah (Big 12 Conference)
Kalani Sitake, BYU (Big 12 Conference)
Kirby Smart, University of Georgia (Southeastern Conference)
ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field. This award is the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined.
Once again, the Mustangs are off to a strong start under the fifth-year head coach. With the win over Virginia over the weekend, Lashlee has now won 10 straight ACC home games, he is 17-3 in conference play overall, 32-6 in his last regular season games and 43-17 during his tenure thus far.
The watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by the National Sports Media Association and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team, comprised of members of the Bryant family and community leaders who come together to support the campaign.
This season, combined with the stellar quarterback play of Kevin Jennings, the offense has been nothing short of prolific. At 326.0 yards per game, SMU ranks No. 2 in the ACC and No. 5 in the country in passing offense. The team's total offense numbers sit at 466.7 yards per contest, good enough for third-best in the conference and No. 15 in the country.
The 2026 Watch List includes (in alphabetical order):
David Braun, Northwestern University (Big Ten Conference)
Troy Calhoun, Air Force (Mountain West Conference)
Bob Chesney, UCLA (Big Ten Conference)
Curt Cignetti, Indiana University (Big Ten Conference)
Mario Cristobal, University of Miami (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Spencer Danielson, Boise State University (Pac-12 Conference)
Ryan Day, Ohio State University (Big Ten Conference)
Kalen DeBoer, University of Alabama (Southeastern Conference)
Jake Dickert, Wake Forest University (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Eli Drinkwitz, University of Missouri (Southeastern Conference)
Jason Eck, University of New Mexico (Mountain West Conference)
Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa (Big Ten Conference)
Marcus Freeman, University of Notre Dame (Independent)
Willie Fritz, University of Houston (Big 12 Conference)
Pete Golding, University of Mississippi (Southeastern Conference)
Josh Heupel, University of Tennessee (Southeastern Conference)
Charles Huff, University of Memphis (American Athletic Conference)
Rhett Lashlee, Southern Methodist University (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Joey McGuire, Texas Tech University (Big 12 Conference)
Eric Morris, Oklahoma State University (Big 12 Conference)
Billy Napier, James Madison University (Sun Belt Conference)
Tim Polasek, North Dakota State University (Mountain West Conference)
Lincoln Riley, USC (Big Ten Conference)
Steve Sarkisian, University of Texas (Southeastern Conference)
Morgan Scalley, University of Utah (Big 12 Conference)
Kalani Sitake, BYU (Big 12 Conference)
Kirby Smart, University of Georgia (Southeastern Conference)
ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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