As SMU targets a championship run, Kevin Jennings’ veteran leadership and dual-threat prowess fuel a high-octane offense poised to challenge Miami’s dominance for conference supremacy.
It is no secret that the SMU Mustangs under Rhett Lashlee have been getting a lot of plaudits and momentum for the 2026 season over the past couple of weeks.
Seen as one of the best teams in the ACC, slightly behind Miami, there is a growing wave of people who think the Mustangs under Lashlee could make some serious noise in 2026.
But do they have the quarterback to do it?
Kevin Jennings is back at the helm for the Mustangs, and is entering his fifth season at SMU.
Each year, Jennings has gotten better, and last season, he posted career highs in yards (3,641) and touchdowns (26), and he did have 13 interceptions in 13 games, which isn't ideal.
But if we stack Jennings up against the rest of the ACC's starting quarterbacks, where would he rank?
Well, CBS Sports' Brad Crawford has done just that, and he has Jennings at No. 2, behind only Miami's Darian Mensah.
"Kevin Jennings has everything needed to lead as a top dual-threat this season, especially given his experience directing SMU's offense in meaningful games," Crawford wrote. "He led the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and has remained a reliable veteran presence through consecutive seasons.
"Jennings has already experienced championship pressure and understands how to respond when possessions matter most. With SMU's renovated personnel and familiar scheme around him, Jennings has a legitimate path to owning the conference spotlight again."
So, the hype train is real, and with the Mustangs having one of the better rosters in the conference, it is easy to see why so many are bullish on them in 2026.
Of course, the turnovers have to come down as 13 in 13 games isn't sustainable for an offense that hopes to go on a deep run in the postseason, but for the most part, Jennings has all the traits needed.
He's accurate, can deliver the ball on time, can use his legs to pick up first downs, and isn't afraid to take shots down field.
He also has a good offensive line, the weapons at tight end and receiver, and the run game to make this SMU offense one of the better ones in the ACC.
We will get a good idea of how the Mustangs will fare in 2026 when they play Florida State to open up their season, and having the No. 2 quarterback in the conference means the Mustangs will likely have an advantage at the position most weeks.
Could Jennings become No. 1 by the end of the year?
