Kevin Jennings’ Heisman Push Makes SMU the ACC’s New Blood

The SMU Mustangs entered 2026 ACC Media Days sounding less like conference newcomers and more like a program ready to kick down the door.

After posting a 14-2 ACC record during their first two seasons in the league, SMU has already reached an ACC Championship Game, earned a College Football Playoff berth and remained in the title race through the final week of 2025. Rhett Lashlee isn’t calling the Mustangs a blue blood.

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He’s selling them as the ACC’s dangerous new blood.

That confidence starts with quarterback Kevin Jennings, whose Heisman Trophy campaign has become impossible to ignore.

Lashlee arrived in Charlotte wearing a “Jennings for Heisman” shirt after SMU announced its new recovery center would carry the quarterback’s name—an extraordinary tribute for an active player.

The promotion isn’t empty hype.

Jennings threw for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while completing a career-best 66.1 percent of his passes.

He produced those numbers despite battling an ankle injury suffered during SMU’s 48-45 overtime loss to Baylor.

Now healthy, Jennings returns as one of the country’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Among returning Power Four starters, he ranks near the top nationally in victories, passing yards, total offense and touchdowns.

Offensive tackle PJ Williams made Jennings’ value even clearer. Williams described himself as the quarterback’s personal protector, promising to confront anyone responsible whenever Jennings hits the turf.

That loyalty will matter as SMU navigates significant coaching changes.

Former offensive coordinator Casey Woods left to become Missouri State’s head coach, while defensive coordinator Scott Symons joined the Dallas Cowboys.

Rather than hand each unit to one replacement, Lashlee created two coaching committees.

Maurice Crum Jr. and Rickey Hunley Jr. will share defensive coordinator duties, with Crum calling plays.

Offensively, Rob Likens, Garin Justice and former Miami quarterback D’Eriq King will operate as co-coordinators alongside Lashlee.

It sounds crowded, but the system isn’t being rebuilt. Every key assistant already understands Lashlee’s terminology, philosophy and personnel.

Lashlee also used the spotlight to defend the ACC, pointing to the league’s 8-6 record against the SEC in 2025 and its 7-4 postseason mark against Power Four opponents.

He argued Duke deserved a playoff spot after winning the conference and challenged preseason metrics that automatically elevate SEC teams.

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SMU isn’t asking for acceptance anymore.

With Jennings healthy, Lashlee swinging publicly and another ACC title chase ahead, the Mustangs are acting like they belong—and daring the rest of college football to prove otherwise.