SMU Plans Texas’ First Division I Men’s Lacrosse Program

SMU will launch Texas’s first NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse program in spring 2028, becoming the sixth men’s lacrosse team in the ACC. The addition brings the conference to the six-team threshold for an automatic NCAA tournament bid, subject to eligibility and approval; all five current ACC programs have won national titles since 2009. SMU says more than 3,200 high school athletes play lacrosse across nearly 160 varsity and junior varsity programs in Texas, and the school has raised about $15 million toward a $25 million launch goal. Athletic Director Damon Evans described the program as a major investment and said SMU aims to compete immediately; the school is also pursuing an ambitious buildout that could draw experienced players, including athletes using additional eligibility.