Kevin Jennings Claims SMU Passing TD Record And Another National Honor

DALLAS - Kevin Jennings is rewriting SMU’s record book while putting together a season that ranks among the nation’s best at quarterback.

The senior earned his second Manning Award Star of the Week selection Monday after throwing three touchdown passes in the Mustangs’ 59-20 victory over California. His performance combined efficient passing with a milestone that further strengthened his place in program history.

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Jennings completed 16 of 23 attempts for 223 yards without an interception and added 26 rushing yards. It marked the 12th game of his career with at least three touchdown passes.

The most significant throw went to Derrick McFall. That second touchdown pass of the afternoon moved Jennings ahead of Tanner Mordecai for SMU’s career lead. Jennings finished the game with 74 career scoring passes.

He now holds the Mustangs’ records for passing touchdowns, touchdowns responsible for, passing yards, completions and total offense.

Those achievements reflect sustained production. His current numbers show he’s continuing to improve that résumé rather than simply accumulating milestones through longevity.

Through seven games, Jennings has completed 72.6 percent of his passes, ranking fifth nationally and second in the ACC. His 177.6 passing efficiency rating stands fourth in the country, while his 19 touchdown passes rank sixth.

He’s also averaging 294.6 passing yards per game, eighth nationally. SMU’s announcement listed him second in the conference in all four categories.

Against Cal, Jennings didn’t need an unusually high number of attempts to make a substantial impact. Three touchdown passes on 23 throws helped SMU turn a 20-17 halftime deficit into a comfortable victory.

The Mustangs scored touchdowns on their first six second-half possessions, giving their quarterback’s record-setting afternoon a decisive team result.

Jennings previously received Manning weekly recognition following SMU’s 56-10 victory over UC Davis. In that game, he threw five touchdown passes and gained 337 passing yards while playing only the first half.

The latest selection places him back in the spotlight of an award designed to recognize “the nation’s top college football quarterback.”

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Presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award was established in 2004 to honor Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. Its evaluation includes bowl and College Football Playoff performances, allowing postseason results to influence the final decision.

For Jennings, the immediate objective remains extending SMU’s success. The Mustangs are 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play, with a Saturday trip to Syracuse next on the schedule.