Kevin Jennings — Heisman candidate?

[PonyPride]

collegefootballnetwork.com has begun a series of Heisman candidates for players from every team in the Power 5 conferences. The ACC entry includes:

SMU Mustangs
Kevin Jennings, QB

Kevin Jennings started the 2024 college football season as the QB1b of one of the nation's most intriguing quarterback situations. He quickly asserted himself as the best option for the SMU Mustangs to win, and by the end of the season, he had led the program to an ACC title appearance ... and secured the former Group of Five powerhouse a seat at the College Football Playoff table.

The only SMU player on CSN's Top 100 Returning Players for 2025, Jennings should be considered a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. He's a dangerous dual-threat quarterback whose 8.5 yards per rush attempt last fall ranks fourth among all returning quarterbacks. His 150.9 passer efficiency is third amongst returning ACC quarterbacks who had at least 150 pass attempts last fall; Cade Klubnik is the only returning ACC passer who had a higher dropback EPA than Jennings (107.55) in 2024.

[Charleston Pony]

Since 2025 will be Kevin's 2nd season as QB1, we can only hope the old saying that a player improves the most between their 1st and 2nd seasons holds true for him. Let's hope we have a strong enough OL and plenty of depth at the skill positions to help him. One huge key will be whether Maryland is back and can return to form as he always seemed to have good chemistry with KJ