Mark Stoops had a strong response to SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee's jab at the SEC saying the conference lacks depth.

At Big Ten and ACC media days this week, the SEC has been a regular subject of conversation. It's a sign of the league's strength and influence

While it is a head-turning quote, it's technically not true considering the SEC lists Georgia and Kentucky as co-champions for the 1976 season. That means there have been seven winners since 1964 with Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Florida and Tennessee also taking home titles.

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee is pro-College Football Playoff expansion, but wants to make it clear no Power 4 conference should receive more auto-bids than any others. After previously slamming brand and conference biases before last season's selection committee final vote,

The 42-year-old Lashlee is entering his fourth season as SMU's head coach and has been excellent during his time in Dallas. In 2022, he led the Mustangs to a 7–6 record, but since has authored back-to-back 11–3 seasons and led them to the first round of the College Football Playoff in 2024.

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee made some waves on social media earlier this week when he defended the ACC. As always, the defense included a swing at the SEC. This is talking season after all. “You look at our league,