Kevin Jennings details how he has handled rise from 'nobody' to Heisman contender

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings spent his first two seasons as a backup quarterback, accruing just 823 yards and six touchdowns for a program that went 18-9 in its final two seasons in the American Conference.

The 2024 season marked his first as a starting quarterback, and he certainly made the most of it. Jennings exploded for the Mustangs in their first season of ACC play, passing for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 354 yards and five touchdowns en route to leading SMU to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

Jennings discussed his rise from a ‘nobody’ to a Heisman contender at this week’s ACC Media Days event.

“I just have to remember where I’m coming from,” Jennings said. “At one point I was known as a nobody just out there playing and then now I’m working my way up and it’s honestly a blessing. I just try and stay level headed and have my teammates check me if i get too cocky. I just try and stay level headed at all times.”

Rhett Lashlee calls Jennings a ‘winner’

The Dallas native delivered what was likely his best performance of the season in SMU‘s ACC Championship loss to Clemson, where he passed for 304 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception. He however contributed his worst performance of the season in the Mustangs’ loss to Penn State in the First Round of the College Football Playoff, as he passed for just 195 yards and threw three interceptions.

“He’s a winner,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said about Jennings. “He’s always been a winner. He won a state championship in high school in the state of Texas… that’s like harder than winning a National Championship in college football sometimes. So he’s always been a winner and he’s always had the intangibles. You’ve seen his playmaking ability.

“I think he’s really matured this offseason knowing he’s the guy. He’s put on 10 or 12 pounds, which is gonna help the frame hold up week in and week out at this level. And I think he’s really embraced the role as the unquestioned leader of our team.”

Jennings and the Mustangs open the 2025 campaign on August 30 against East Texas A&M. Expectations are extremely high for the dark horse Heisman contender, who will compete against talented quarterbacks Cade Klubnik, Carson Beck and Miller Moss within his own conference.