For the first time this season, the SMU Mustangs debuted in the AP Top 25.
A lot of that credit can be handed to quarterback Kevin Jennings.
In the Mustangs 34-27 victory against No. 22 Louisville—one of the three remaining undefeated teams In the ACC standings—Jennings posted a career best 281 passing yards and 113 rushing yards, including a 59-yard rushing score.
He is the first SMU quarterback since 2014 to have over 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards.
Jennings excelled using both his arm and legs to execute a game-winning 11-play, 89-yard touchdown drive that included back-to-back 17-yard completions.
Over his last five collegiate starts, Jennings has won an AAC championship, a rival contest against TCU, the Mustangs first victory over Florida State, and now a top-25 road victory against the Cardinals.
As the leader of South Oak Cliff, Jennings lead the Golden Bears to the 2021 5A Division II State Championship, throwing for 2,884 passing yards for 37 touchdowns, including 309 rushing yards for an additional seven scores. In total, he threw for 5,932 yards and 71 touchdowns, along with 557 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
After fielding offers from Sam Houston, Lamar, and Texas A&M—Commerce, Jennings decided to stay local in Dallas and committed to SMU.
After redshirting as a freshman, Jennings made his first collegiate start against Tulane in the 2023 AAC Championship Game last season. Entering this year, Jennings was listed second on the Mustangs’ depth chart, eventually elevated to the starting spot during the team’s bye week.
Currently, SMU only has one ranked opponent against No. 22 Pittsburgh on their ACC schedule.
As someone that has hoisted championship trophies at both the Texas high school and collegiate level, you can bet Jennings will be ready.
