Cowboys Ex Superscout Raves About SMU Football Trio Of 'Wicked' Standouts

DALLAS - The SMU Mustangs are taking the stage ... and one of the most accomplished NFL "superscouts'' ever is taking notice.

Let's start at quarterback.

Kevin Jennings has already put SMU football back on the national map, and now the Mustangs are pushing him toward college football’s biggest individual prize.

SMU has launched its “K7NG OF DALLAS” Heisman Trophy campaign for Jennings, the senior quarterback who enters the 2026 season with the numbers, victories and hometown story to force his way into the national conversation.

So there is no shortage of publicity for the QB; this is football and that is normal.

But Drew Fabianich, the long-time Dallas Cowboys personnel man who is now the director of the Panini Senior Bowl, is letting be known that SMU has other names worth noting.

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And following ACC Kickoff Media Days, he mentioned a trio of Mustangs.

Writes Fabianich on P.J. Williams, who started in 12 of 13 games last season and was named second-team All-ACC: "He's bumping out to left tackle, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in that role. Best wishes to him this season.''

And on linebacker Brandon Booker, who started 11 games last season and racked up 69 tackles: "A young Mustang from DeSoto who’s ready for a breakout year. And I’ve got to say… he pulls off the 10-gallon hat well.''

And then of course on Jennings, a true scouting report in brief: "He throws accurately from all platforms and has some wicked athletic ability. I think he’s set up for a huge year.''

"Wicked'' is fun but not too bold.

Heisman candidacy? K7NG?

It’s a bold pitch, but it isn’t empty marketing. Jennings has built a resume that gives the campaign real teeth.

He owns 19 career victories as a starter, tied for third among returning Power Four quarterbacks, and his .731 winning percentage ranks third among all active FBS quarterbacks.

Jennings has also thrown for 7,709 yards and 55 touchdowns while producing 8,267 yards of total offense. Each figure ranks fifth among returning Power Four quarterbacks.

That’s not hype. That’s production as Jennings’ value to SMU goes far beyond a stat sheet.

The Dallas native won a 2021 Class 5A Division II state championship at South Oak Cliff, delivering Dallas ISD its first football title since 1958.

Instead of leaving home for a bigger brand, he stayed in the city and helped make SMU one again.

With Jennings leading the offense, the Mustangs reached their first AP Top 10 ranking since 1983, played for an ACC championship and earned a College Football Playoff berth during their debut season in a Power Four conference.

He’s 14-2 as an ACC starter, with victories over Miami, Clemson, Florida State and Louisville twice.

Among returning ACC quarterbacks, nobody enters 2026 with more career passing yards, total offense, starting victories or a better winning percentage with at least 15 starts.

Jennings is already second in SMU history in career passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes. Now he’s chasing a much older piece of program history.

No Mustang has won the Heisman Trophy since Doak Walker claimed it in 1948. Seventy-eight years later, Jennings will begin his campaign at a stadium carrying Walker’s first name.

SMU opens the season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium on Labor Day night, giving Jennings a primetime stage for his opening statement.

That setting almost feels scripted.

The Heisman race won’t be won by a slogan, a crown graphic or a clever spelling of “king.” Jennings will have to deliver against a demanding schedule and keep SMU in the national playoff picture.

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But Dallas finally has a candidate worth selling. Jennings has the wins, the numbers and the story.

Now he needs the moments. ... and one of the smartest scouting minds in the game thinks they are coming.

MORE: Cowboys Fans WIN Rare CeeDee Lamb BIG Bobblehead and SMU Swag!