Cole Leinart, like his dad, will play college football. Unlike his Heisman Trophy-winning father, Cole will begin his career in the ACC.

The younger Leinart, a Class of 2026 prospect, announced his college commitment on Wednesday. Cole Leinart has pledged to play for SMU, he told Hayes Fawcett of On3.

 

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Out of Redondo Union (California) High School, Leinart is listed as measuring 6-4, 190 pounds. At this stage of the 2026 recruiting cycle, Leinart is rated a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals. Leinart has not been rated by ESPN.

Leinart committed to SMU over offers from Georgia State, Pittsburgh, UNLV and Deion Sanders’ Colorado program. He is SMU’s second verbal pledge in the 2026 recruiting class.

Cole Leinart is the son of Matt Leinart and former USC basketball player Brynn Cameron. He was born in October 2006, after the couple’s split.

A 2-time national champion 2004 Heisman Trophy winner at USC, Matt Leinart enjoyed a professional football career 2006-13. In his post-playing days, Leinart can be seen on FOX as a college football analyst. Leinart’s No. 11 jersey is retired by the USC football program.

Fans interested in Cole can check out his highlights in the Hudl video below:

Featured image via Hudl