Numbers and notes: SMU 42, East Texas A&M 13

[PonyPride]

SMU Postgame Notes – August 30, 2025
[16/16] SMU 42, East Texas A&M 13
SMU (1-0), ETAM (0-1)
Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Texas

NEXT GAME
Baylor - Saturday, September 6 – 11am CT – Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Texas
TV: The CW
Radio: KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM | SMU Mobile App/Varsity Network | Sirius XM
Tickets: smumustangs.com/tickets

SMU PRESEASON HONORS

ATTENDANCE

Attendance of 33,044 is the largest for SMU home opener since 2014

SMU RECORD for student attendance 5,176 (4 of the top 5 in SMU history since the start of the 2024 season)

FORD STADIUM SMU STUDENT ATTENDANCE
1 — East Texas A&M, 8-29-2025 — 5,176
2 — TCU, 9-21-2024 — 4,728
3 — HCU, 8-31-2024 — 4,706
4 — TCU, 9-24-2022 — 4,590
5 — BYU, 9-6-2024 — 4,581

GAME TOTALS

Score: SMU 42, ETAM 13
In 2024, SMU was 2nd ACC / 8th NCAA FBS scoring offense (36.5)
In 2024, SMU was 1st ACC / 32nd NCAA FBS scoring defense (22.1)
Total yards: SMU 400, ETAM 351
In 2024, SMU was 5th ACC / 27th NCAA FBS total offense (429.5)
In 2024, SMU was 1st ACC / 26th NCAA FBS total defense (326.0)
First downs: SMU 25, ETAM 17
Third downs: SMU 4-10, ETAM 6-20
In 2024, SMU was 3rd ACC / 27th NCAA FBS in 3rd-down conversion offense (44.6%)
In 2024, SMU was 1st ACC / 19th NCAA FBS in 3rd-down conversion defense (33.0%)
Rushing yards: SMU 140, ETAM 107
In 2024, SMU was 1st ACC / 7th NCAA FBS (100.2)
Sacks: SMU 3, ETAM 2
In 2024, SMU was 4th ACC / 10th NCAA FBS in sacks (3.07)
In 2024, SMU was 4th ACC / 24th NCAA FBS in sacks allowed (1.29)
Tackles for Loss: SMU 6, ETAM 8
In 2024, SMU was 3rd ACC / 17th NCAA FBS in TFLs (7.1)

TEAM NOTES

Captains: Savion Byrd (#54, OL, Sr.), Ahmaad Moses (#3, FS, Sr.), Logan Parr (#71, OL, Gr.), Collin Rogers (#41, K, Sr.)

Opening Drive Score: SMU scored in 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:53 – 63-yard TD pass from Kevin Jennings to Romello Brinson
First time scoring a TD on opening drive of the season since 2021

SMU had 2 interception returns for TDs (Alexander Kilgore 10 yards, Ahmaad Moses 95 yards)
First time with multiple interception return TDs since 11/12/16 at East Carolina
First time with multiple defensive TDs since 9/21/24 vs TCU

Alexander Kilgore had a 10-yard interception return for a TD
Third straight season SMU has had a defensive score in the home opener

SMU is 1-0
SMU is 30-12 under Rhett Lashlee (4-0 in season openers)
SMU is 20-1 in last 21 regular-season games
SMU is 21-4 in the last 25 games overall
SMU is 15-1 in the last 16 home games
7 straight season-opening wins
6 straight home wins

SMU is 27-2 under Rhett Lashlee when scoring 30+ points

SMU had 8 Mustangs catch a pass
At least 7 players have a catch in 28 of the past 31 games

Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) -- Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
11-3 as a starter
22-30 passing for 260 yards with 2 TDs
TDs to Romello Brinson (63 yards), Jalen Cooper (38 yards)
Multiple passing TDs in 9 of his past 12 games
6-12 rushing with a TD (7 yards)
7th career rushing TD
272 yards of total offense
Responsible for at least 3 TDs in 4 of his last 6 games

Romello Brinson had career highs of 7 receptions and 121 receiving yards, including a 63-yard TD

SMU had 3 sacks, 6 TFLs and 8 pass breakups
In 2024, SMU was 4th ACC / 10th NCAA FBS in sacks (3.07)
Sacks: Kevin Allen, Cameron Robertson, Terry Webb
TFLs: Kevin Allen (2), Cameron Robertson (2), Woo Spencer, Terry Webb
PBUs: Isaiah Nwokobia (2), Javion Holiday, Justin Medlock, William Nettles, Tyren Polley Jr., Cameron Robertson, DJ Warner

SMU had 3 takeaways (1 fumble, 1 interceptions)
Multiple takeaways in 7 of the past 14 games
First time with at least 3 takeaways since 3 vs Florida State 9/28/24
Interceptions: Alexander Kilgore (10-yard TD), Ahmaad Moses (95-yard TD)
Fumble Recovery: Isaiah Smith
Fumble Forced: Cameron Robertson

TV AND RADIO HIGHLIGHTS

ACC Network
Kevin Jennings 63-yard TD pass to Romello Brinson https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46116741
Chris Johnson Jr., 22-yard TD run https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117256
Alexander Kilgore 10-yd INT return TD https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46116932
Terry Webb sack https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117496
Ahmaad Moses 95-yd INT return TD https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117732
Cameron Roberston forced fumble recovered by Isaiah Smith https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117837
Kevin Jennings 7-yard rush TD https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117863
Kevin Jennings 38-yard TD pass to Jalen Cooper https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46117906

SMU Highlights and Head Coach Rhett Lashlee postgame radio | SMU Radio Network on KTCK “The Ticket” 96.7 FM, 1310 AM (Rich Phillips pxp, Scott Garner analyst, Steve [deleted] sideline)
Highlights - https://tinyurl.com/2bauq24k
Rhett Lashlee Postgame - https://tinyurl.com/25llw23j

SMU INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) -- Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
22-30 passing for 260 yards with 2 TDs
6-12 rushing with a TD for 272 yards of total offense

CAREER PASSING YARDS
1. Ben Hicks, 2016-18: 9,081
2. Chuck Hixson, 1968-70: 7,179
3. Tanner Mordecai, 2021-22: 7,152
4. Shane Buechele, 2019-20: 7,024
5. Garrett Gilbert, 2012-13: 6,460
6. Mike Ford, 1977-80: 6,239
7. Mike Romo, 1989-92: 6,041
8. Kyle Padron, 2009-11: 5,902
9. Ramon Flanigan, 1992-97: 5,640
10. Justin Willis, 2006-09: 4,991
11. Bo Levi Mitchell, 2008-09: 4,590
12. Kevin Jennings 2022- : 4,328
13. Preston Stone, 2021-24: 4,030
14. Josh McCown, 1998-00: 4,019

CAREER COMPLETIONS
1. Ben Hicks, 2016-18: 718
2. Chuck Hixson, 1968-70: 642
3. Garrett Gilbert, 2012-13: 603
4. Mike Romo, 1989-92: 601
5. Tanner Mordecai, 2021-22: 596
6. Shane Buechele, 2019-20: 549
7. Mike Ford, 1977-80: 475
8. Kyle Padron, 2009-11: 446
9. Ramon Flanigan, 1992-97: 438
10. Justin Willis, 2006-08: 424
11. Bo Levi Mitchell, 2008-09: 385
12. Dan Freiburger, 1989-92: 349
13. Kevin Jennings, 2022- : 347
14. Josh McCown, 1998-2000: 340

RJ Maryland (#82, TE, Sr.) -- John Mackey Award Watch List, College Football Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
3-34 receiving

SMU CAREER RECEPTIONS - TIGHT ENDS
1. John Hampton, 2000-02: 114
2. RJ Maryland, 2022- : 89
3. Kylen Granson, 2019-20: 78
4. Ryan Kennedy, 2004-06: 55
5. Oscar Roan, 1972-74: 48

SMU CAREER RECEIVING YARDS - TIGHT ENDS
1. John Hampton, 2000-02: 1,485
2. Kylen Granson, 2019-20: 1,257
3. RJ Maryland, 2022- : 1,207
4. Oscar Roan, 1972-74: 888

Ahmaad Moses (#3, S. Sr.) -- Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team
Had a 95-yard interception return TD (2nd INT TD of his career)

SMU LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURNS


1. Reggie Phillips at Louisville, 1984: 100t
Putt Choate vs. Tulane, 1977: 100t
Charles Jackson vs. Rice, 1957: 100t
4. Tirey Wilemon vs. Navy, 1959: 95t
Hubert Walling vs. Okla. A&M, 1922: 95t
Ahmaad Moses vs East Texas A&M, 2025: 95t

Collin Rogers (#41, K, Sr.) -- Lou Groza Award Watch List, Athlon Sports All-America Fourth Team, All-ACC Team, Phil Steele All-ACC First Team, Athlon Sports, All-ACC First Team
6 points (6-6 PATs)
Extends SMU CAREER SCORING RECORD – now at 362
6-6 on PATs
Extends SMU CAREER PAT RECORD to 182 (182-183)


ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Zakye Barker (#33, LB, RS Jr.) — East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
3 tackles

Romello Brinson (#3, WR, Sr.)
7-121 receiving with a 63-yard TD (career highs for receptions and yards)
4th career receiving TD

Jalen Cooper (#10, WR, Fr.)
5-73 receiving with a 38-yard TD

TJ Harden (#27, RB, Sr. ) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
8-42 rushing

Deuce Harmon (#7, CB, RS Sr. ) - Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
3 tackles

Matthew Hibner (#88, TE, Gr.) - John Mackey Award Watch List
Had 1 reception (-2)

Jordan Hudson (#2, WR, Sr.) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team
1-7 receiving

Chris Johnson Jr. (#6, RB, RS So.) - Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team
6-44 rushing with a 22-yard TD

Alexander Kilgore (#54, LB, Jr.) - Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee, Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team
Had a 10-yard interception return for a TD, the first score of his career

Derrick McFall (#0, RB, RS Fr.) - Doak Walker Award Watch List
9-22 rushing

Brandon Miyazano (#29, LB, Jr.)
Career-high and team-high 8 tackles (was 5)

Addison Nichols (#63, OL, RS Jr.) -- Rimington Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
Started at RG in first game at SMU (started all 12 games at Arkansas in 2024)

Isaiah Nwokobia (#23, S, RS Sr.) - Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List, Chuck Bednarik Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Walter Camp All-America Second Team, Sporting News All-America Second Team, Athlon Sports All-America Third Team, Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team, All-ACC Team, Phil Steele All-ACC First Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
5 tackles and 2 pass breakups

Logan Parr (#71, OL, Gr.) -- East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
Has started 27 of the 28 games played at SMU

Cameron Robertson (#9, DE, Sr.) - Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
4 tackles, including 2 TFLs and a sack
Had 2 QB hurries and a pass breakup
Also had a forced fumble

Isaiah Smith (#1, DE, Sr.) - Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team
Fumble recovery

Aakil Washington (#58, DE, RS Sr.) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
DNP

Terry Webb (#4, DT, 5th Yr. ) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
3 tackles, including a sack

PJ Williams (#59, OL, RS Jr.) - Outland Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
Started the last 17 games he has played


DCTF All-Texas Team: 1st Team - RJ Maryland, Isaiah Nwokobia, Logan Parr; 2nd Team - Deuce Harmon, Terry Webb, PJ Williams
Walter Camp Preseason All-American: 2nd Team - Isaiah Nwokobia
Athlon Sports Preseason All-American: Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers
Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC: 1st Team - Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers, PJ Williams, Ahmaad Moses; 2nd Team - Jordan Hudson, RJ Maryland, Logan Parr; 3rd Team - Kevin Jennings, Cameron Robertson; 4th Team - Deuce Harmon, Alexander Kilgore, Isaiah Smith, Addison Nichols
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team: Alexander Kilgore
Maxwell Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
Outland Trophy Watch List: PJ Williams
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
Jim Thorpe Award Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
Preseason All-ACC: Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers; Player of the Year: Kevin Jennings (3rd)
Lou Groza Award Watch List: Collin Rogers
Doak Walker Award Watch List: Derrick McFall
Sporting News All-America: Isaiah Nwokobia
Davey O’Brien Watch List: Kevin Jennings
Rimington Trophy Watch List: Addison Nichols
John Mackey Award Watch List: Matthew Hibner, RJ Maryland
Bednarik Award Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
Manning Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
Comeback Player of the Year Watch List: RJ Maryland
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
Senior Bowl Top 300 List: RJ Maryland, Ahmaad Moses, Isaiah Nwokobia

[indianmustang]

amazing Ben Hicks is still leading QB

[Charleston Pony]

amazing Ben Hicks is still leading QB

If Jennings plays 2 more full seasons he will have a shot at overtaking Hicks as # 1 in both completions and yardage and if Maryland can stay healthy he has a shot at becoming the all time leader for TE receptions and yardage (although will those records have asterisks with him lining up in the slot this year?)

[indianmustang]

after following SMU for close 20 years and progress it made is amazing