The 2023 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University (SMU) in the 2023 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. The Mustangs competed as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas.
Season overview
- Head coach: Rhett Lashlee (1st season)
- Offensive coordinator: Zak Brown (1st season)
- Defensive coordinator: D’Anton Bibes (1st season)
- Overall record: 5 wins – 7 losses
- Conference record: 3 wins – 5 losses (American Athletic Conference)
The Mustangs finished the season tied for sixth place in the AAC and did not qualify for a postseason bowl game, as they fell one win short of the typical six‑win threshold for bowl eligibility.
Key players
- Quarterback: Tanner Mordecai (transfer from Ohio University) – primary starter and team leader on offense.
- Running back: R.J. Russell – contributed significant rushing yardage and touchdowns.
- Wide receiver: T. Tamsin Keen – among the leading pass‑catchers.
- Linebacker: Mike Lycett – led the team in tackles on defense.
Notable games
- Season opener: Victory over Texas State (non‑conference) securing the team's first win of the year.
- Conference play: Wins against UCF, Tulane, and Navy contributed to the three conference victories.
- High‑profile loss: Defeat by Houston, a fellow AAC member, was one of the decisive games that impacted bowl eligibility.
Coaching staff
- Head coach: Rhett Lashlee – previously the offensive coordinator at Arkansas State University; the 2023 season marked his inaugural year leading SMU.
- Offensive coordinator: Zak Brown – oversaw a spread‑option offense that emphasized quarterback mobility and a balanced run‑pass attack.
- Defensive coordinator: D’Anton Bibes – implemented a 4‑3 defensive scheme focusing on improved pass rush and secondary coverage.
Season summary
The 2023 campaign was a transitional year for SMU, featuring a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and the integration of several transfer players. While the team displayed competitive performances in several contests, inconsistencies on both sides of the ball resulted in a sub‑-.500 record. The Mustangs concluded the season with a focus on building continuity under the new coaching regime for future improvement.
