DALLAS — After emerging as one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks last season, Kevin Jennings enters fall camp with heightened expectations and a larger leadership role for SMU.
Jennings played in 13 games in 2025, completing 300 of 454 passes (66.1%) for 3,641 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for four touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top dual-threat quarterbacks.
Speaking after the Mustangs’ first preseason practice, Jennings said the focus throughout camp is building urgency and correcting mistakes quickly as SMU prepares for the season ahead.
“We’ve got to start faster,” Jennings said. “We’ve got to fix things quicker and be ready to go out there, make plays and execute.”
Jennings admitted it was difficult watching programs across the country begin preseason practices before SMU finally took the field.
“It was kind of annoying,” Jennings said. “Going on Twitter and Instagram and seeing everybody else practicing. We were just ready to get out there with the guys.”
When practice finally arrived, Jennings said the excitement was evident throughout the roster.
“It was definitely an urgency to get back to it and go out there and ball,” he said.
Now one of the veterans on the roster, Jennings acknowledged his role has changed since arriving on campus.
“I felt a little bit older,” he said. “All the young guys coming in are calling me ‘Unc’ now. As a freshman I was calling the fifth-years ‘Unc,’ and now that’s me.”
Jennings also addressed the potential return of Ahmad Walker, saying the possibility of having an experienced player back in the secondary only strengthens the team.
“It’s great having a guy like that back,” Jennings said. “He makes you better each and every day. Everybody welcomed him back. It’s going to make it more competitive.”
While expectations surrounding SMU continue to grow, Jennings said he doesn’t view the added attention as pressure.
“I look at it as a privilege,” Jennings said. “To have pressure, you’ve got to be doing something right. I’ve been playing this game ever since I was a little kid. It’s no pressure. Go out there, throw the ball, lead drives and have fun.”
Jennings also praised several of the team’s newcomers, saying they have adjusted quickly despite learning a new offense. He pointed to their willingness to ask questions, seek extra work and compete every day as encouraging signs early in camp.
Perhaps most importantly, Jennings believes the chemistry throughout the locker room continues to grow.
“I can feel it already,” Jennings said. “Everybody’s so well connected, especially in the locker room. Guys are staying after practice, talking to each other, having fun. Those are the things you love to see. The connection is really good.”
As preseason camp continues, Jennings hopes the leadership, chemistry and urgency displayed during the opening practice carry over throughout August as the Mustangs prepare for the upcoming season.
