The Mustangs are kicking off a new era. Photo: Carey Schumacher/ISI Photos/Getty Images
SMU's athletics program has joined the Atlantic Coast Conference, transitioning from the American Athletic Conference that the university was a founding member of.
Why it matters: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson says SMU's shift to the ACC is a "pivotal moment" that will elevate the university and college athletics in Dallas.
The big picture: College football has gone through a major realignment in recent years, with powerful conferences disintegrating and others picking up new teams to make more money.
SMU, meanwhile, has sought for years to join a more prestigious conference.
State of play: Starting today, all SMU sports are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which is a Power Five conference.
The university says it has raised a record-breaking $159 million in the 2024-2025 fiscal year since announcing its ACC membership last year.
How they're celebrating: SMU is hosting a community celebration at Happiest Hour in Dallas from 4:30-6:30pm today. The Dallas skyline will light up in SMU colors tonight.
What's next: Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, will join the ACC in August.
