Matt Leinart's son, Cole, issues heartwarming message to father ahead of CFB debut with SMU football
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With the SMU football program taking on the Florida State Seminoles, it will be a special moment for many, including former quarterback Matt Leinart. As the opener for the SMU football team has them facing Florida State, it will also be the college football debut of Leinart’s son, Cole.
Cole Leinart is a freshman quarterback, and while the starter is Kevin Jennings, he will be a part of his first-ever college football game. In fact, he would surprise his father with a video on Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff, shouting out the panel and his father, saying, “I’m so grateful to be able to call you my dad.”
“What’s up, Dad, Mark [Ingram], Coach [Urban Meyer], Brady [Quinn], and Rob [Stone]?… I just wanted to say to you four guys, thank you so much for all the texts and all the support and encouragement over the past couple years. You guys are like family to me,” Leinart said.
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“And obviously, Pops, thank you for everything,” Leinart continued. “I wouldn’t be here without you. These past couple years, obviously, it’s been a long journey, and to be here, I’m super grateful for everything you’ve done for me, the support and love. I can’t ask for a better dad, and I’m so grateful to be able to call you my dad. And Kevin Jennings for Heisman.”
Proud Dad Moment 🫶@MattLeinartQB’s son Cole, who is playing in his first CFB game for SMU on Monday, had a message for his dad and the guys. pic.twitter.com/xk7FWsFMMe
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 5, 2026
Matt Leinart reacts to son’s video ahead of SMU football opener
There’s no doubt that the video took Matt Leinart by surprise, saying how it’ll be a “proud dad moment” to see his son run out of the tunnel for the opener against the Seminoles.
“I did not expect that. I’ll be there Monday night on the sideline. You guys have been a part of the journey, Cole said it best; you guys have been family to Cole, watching since he was in eighth grade,” Leinart said to the panel. “I will see him running out of the tunnel for the first time in college football. Super excited.”
At any rate, the Mustangs’ Week 1 game and Leinart’s first contest will be on Monday night.
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