College football is officially back, and it’s already bringing the emotions out of everyone.
Legendary USC quarterback Matt Leinart had to hold back his tears during Saturday morning’s “Fox Big Noon Kickoff,” when his son Cole Leinart left him a heartfelt message, thanking him for everything he’s done.
“What’s up Dad, Mark [Ingram], Coach [Urban Meyer], Brady [Quinn] and Rob [Stone], this Monday night I’ll be playing in my first college football game in Tallahassee against Florida State, and I just wanted to say to you four guys, thank you so much for all the tests, support and encouragement over the past couple of years,” Cole Leinart said.
“Obviously, Pops, thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be here without you. These past couple of years, obviously, it’s been a long journey to be here. I’m super grateful for everything you’ve done for me, to support and love. I couldn’t ask for a better dad. I’m so grateful to call you my dad.”
After Cole’s message to his father, Matt said he was not expecting to see his son pop up on the screen and called it “a proud dad moment.”
As Matt is preparing to see his son step onto a college football field for the first time on Monday, it’s a full-circle moment in the Leinart household, as Matt is often recognized for being one of the best quarterbacks to play at USC.
Matt was a three-year starter for the Trojans from 2003-2005 and led them to three national title games, winning in 2003 and 2004.
In 2004, he became the second quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy at USC when he put together a 33-touchdown season that included him throwing for 3,322 yards, with a 65.3 completion percentage.
Before Cole began his journey with SMU, the road to college football was not easy for him, as he transferred schools twice, including Matt’s alma mater, Mater Dei, and Newport Harbor.
In 2024, Cole found a home with Redondo Union High School and led the Sea Hawks to the CIF Division 5 finale last year but ultimately came up short against Rio Hondo Prep.
Cole ended up signing with SMU a week after his high school football season ended and enrolled in classes this past January.
As it stands, Cole is sitting as a backup for SMU and likely will have to wait a couple of seasons to get his turn as the Mustangs’ starting quarterback.
Despite being a backup, he is ready to embrace the role. Before he signed off from “Big Noon Kickoff,” he gave a shoutout to SMU’s starting quarterback, Kevin Jennings, and predicted he will be this year’s Heisman Trophy winner.
