Southern Methodist University Athletics

SMU competes in NCAA Division I, the highest level of college athletics with full scholarships and major television coverage. The Mustangs field 15 varsity sports with 453 total athletes, meaning about 6% of the 7,106 students compete at the varsity level. The university awards over $25 million annually in athletic scholarships. SMU recently joined the strong Atlantic Coast Conference, moving from the American Athletic Conference in a major realignment. The football program has deep Texas roots and maintains a heated rivalry with TCU. Basketball has seen recent success under various coaches. The athletic programs reflect the school's broader culture of ambition and resources, with facilities that match the university's affluent reputation in Dallas.