Kevin Jennings gives SMU a proven star at quarterback, and new weapons around him could push the Mustangs into the top tier of college football offenses.
The SMU Mustangs offense enters 2026 with a familiar face at quarterback and enough new firepower to make this one of the ACC’s most intriguing units.
Kevin Jennings is back after completing 300 of 454 passes for 3,641 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2025.
His 66.1 percent completion rate and 280.1 passing yards per game gave SMU one of the league’s most productive passing attacks, and now the challenge is simple: cut down the turnovers and get his legs back involved.
Jennings rushed for only 54 yards and four touchdowns last season after being a much bigger threat on the ground earlier in his career.
If Rhett Lashlee can restore that dual-threat element, Jennings has a realistic shot to push toward 3,850 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions.
The backfield should help.
Transfer Kendrick Raphael arrives after rushing for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns at Cal in 2025. He also caught 34 passes for 245 yards, giving SMU a more complete feature back than it had a year ago.
A projection around 1,050 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns is reasonable if he stays healthy.
At receiver, the Mustangs have production to replace.
Jordan Hudson and Romello Brinson combined for 104 catches, 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
That leaves Yamir Knight as the most proven returning target after a 54-catch, 637-yard, five-touchdown season. Knight also posted two 100-yard games and flashed big-play ability with a 61-yard reception.
My projection for Knight: 78 catches, 900 yards and seven touchdowns.
The breakout candidate is Jalen Cooper.
As a freshman, he caught 19 passes for 321 yards and two scores, including a 75-yard touchdown. His 16.9 yards per catch showed the kind of vertical ability this offense needs.
A jump toward 850 receiving yards and eight touchdowns wouldn’t be surprising.
Transfers Yannick Smith and Jalen Hale add more upside, while Randy Pittman Jr. and Theo Melin Öhrström give SMU size and experience at tight end.
The offensive line also returns veterans including PJ Williams, Joshua Bates and Addison Nichols.
SMU averaged 32.2 points and 417 yards per game in 2025.
The 2026 projection: 35.5 points and roughly 455 yards per game.
If Jennings becomes more efficient and Cooper emerges alongside Knight, SMU won’t just have a good offense.
It could have one of the most dangerous attacks in the ACC.
