PJ Williams, Kevin Jennings Headline SMU’s Preseason Honors

Phil Steele has published his College Football Preview Magazine every year since 1995. Now in its 31st year, the publication is widely regarded as one of the most respected preseason guides in college football. ESPN writer Pat Forde called it the best in the genre. When nine SMU players land on his All-ACC teams before the season begins, you know that Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs are doing something right to sustain the program's momentum.

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PJ Williams leads the group. The Dickinson, Texas, native earned second-team All-America honors from Steele, the publication's highest individual distinction. Williams enters his fifth season at SMU as a 29-game starter and team captain after originally signing with Texas A&M. 

He earned All-ACC Second Team honors from both the conference and the Associated Press in 2025, posting the fourth-best pressure rate allowed among ACC right tackles at 2.6% while surrendering three sacks on the season. He anchored an offensive line that helped SMU average 416.9 total yards per game, fifth in the ACC.

Joining Williams on the ACC first team are center Joshua Bates and long snapper Morgan Tribbett. Bates made 13 starts in 2025 on an offensive line that allowed 19 total sacks, which ranked 29th nationally. Tribbett brings consistency to a special teams unit that has played an important role in close games.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings and incoming kicker Nick Reed earned second team honors. Jennings posted career highs across the board in 2025 with 3,641 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 300 completions and a 66.0% completion rate. Reed arrives as a newcomer, and earning second team recognition before his first game at SMU sets a high expectation for his first season.

The third team includes wide receiver Yamir Knight and transfer running back Kendrick Raphael. Knight finished the 2025 season with 637 receiving yards and five touchdowns while earning offensive MVP honors in the Holiday Bowl. Raphael transfers from Cal, where he led the program in rushing with nearly 1,000 yards last season.

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Junior linebacker Brandon Booker and safety Jarvis Lee land on the fourth team. Booker recorded 61 tackles in significant playing time last season. Lee transfers from South Florida and enters the season expected to contribute immediately in the secondary.

Nine players across four preseason All-ACC teams from one of college football's most respected preview publications. SMU enters 2026 with a roster Phil Steele believes is built to compete near the top of the conference.