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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

amazing Ben Hicks is still leading QB

indianmustang wrote: Mon Sep 01, 2025 9:04 am 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?)

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