Big things are expected of the Dallas-native quarterback, who leads the Ponies into 2026.
The SMU Mustangs have a familiar face leading them into the 2026 season in quarterback Kevin Jennings.
The Dallas native could be ready for a true breakout season as one of the best gunslingers in the country, at least according to ESPN's award predictions.
Of the team's in the publication's offseason top 25, Jennings was chosen for the No. 22-ranked Mustangs as the player most likely to receive an end-of-season award.
That being the Heisman Trophy, college athletics' most prestigious honor.
"The first time Jennings inherited the starting job at SMU, he led the Mustangs to an American Conference title. After winning the job the next year, he led SMU to the College Football Playoff. In 2025, he blossomed with his best season yet, and now he's back for 2026," said writer David Hale.
"Jennings will enter the season as one of the most experienced and prolific QBs in the country -- 65 career TDs, nearly 8,000 passing yards -- and SMU coaches have said they think his best is yet to come."
The South Oak Cliff product believes the same for himself, but he's focused on team success more than individual accomplishments.
Asked about what mentality he brings into this season, Jennings said he pictures "bringing a natty to SMU. I think the main goal right there [is] winning ball games with my teammates and winning a national championship."
Jennings has already helped the Ponies make history, but he's after immortal glory for the program in his final year of eligibility.
"Hasn't been done at SMU," he said in a sit-down with reporter Adam Breneman. "Being able to do that, and bring that to SMU, I think that would definitely be key. ... It definitely drives me each and every day."
Last year, the Mustangs finished 9-4 and capped the season with a bowl win over Arizona in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl. SMU went 6-2 in ACC play to finish tied for the second-best record in the league.
Going into Year 2 of the expanded playoff - and talks of it growing even more - Jennings should position the Mustangs to be in the hunt for a conference championship and auto bid, or even an at-large selection if the national ranking holds up with what it looks like in preseason.
"The Mustangs should be in the playoff hunt again, and Jennings is the biggest reason," Hale added. "He's electric when it comes to extending plays, which should give him more than a few chances for his Heisman moment. If the team and the player meet expectations, don't be surprised if Jennings is in New York at year's end."
