Is SMU's Kevin Jennings Poised To Be 2027 Draft Sleeper?

This year's NFL Draft is behind us, but for some, attention is already turned to next year's class, and that is where SMU's Kevin Jennings will see his name pop up.

Entering his final year of eligibility, Jennings will be tasked with putting the Mustangs in a position to have an even better season than they did last year.

Jennings is coming off a career year in 2025, as he posted 3,641 passing yards, 26 TDs and 13 interceptions. He also posted four rushing touchdowns.

But as we turn our attention to what Jennings and the Mustangs could do in 2026, his draft stock comes into focus.

Seen as a potential third-round option, due to being potentially undersized with some questionable decision-making, the 2026 season will be crucial for Jennings to iron out his deficiencies before the draft.

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And for ESPN's Jordan Reid, he's named one thing that Jennings has to do in 2026 to improve his game.

"Jennings followed a breakout 2024 season with an even better 2025, finishing with 3,641 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions," Reid wrote. "He's an exciting passer who continuously puts defenses in conflict because of his ability to throw downfield and create plays with his legs.

"When protected, Jennings is a drop-and-settle thrower who can scan and sling the ball to all levels of the field despite his slender build (6-foot, 192 pounds). He needs to limit the turnover-worthy plays and find the balance between making things happen and putting the ball in harm's way."

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Yes, Jennings had career-highs in yards and touchdowns, but he also threw the most interceptions of his college career as well.

That isn't ideal, and it is something that NFL teams will be watching intently as the 2026 season rolls on.

A dual-threat playmaker is perhaps the best way to describe Jennings, and there will be a host of NFL teams that will see value in having Jennings on their roster.

But that is predicated on Jennings reeling in those turnovers, because he can't have another season with so many.

In his last 27 college games, he's posted 24 interceptions.

He fixes that, and he might begin a climb up the draft board.