No. 19 SMU eyes another ACC run as QB Kevin Jennings’ final season opens with early road tests

SMU's No. 19 Mustangs aim to make yet another run at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as they kick off their final season on the quarterback position with former starter Kevin Jennings. The team's journey began in their inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff during their debut season, ending just short of a conference championship game last year.

The Mustangs have compiled 20 wins during this period, with Miami being the only ACC team with more wins, having lost to SMU in the regular season last season. Coach Rhett Lashlee expressed optimism about the team's performance, stating, "We've got to win games, we've got to play well. I think we've got a good team around him. He's going to play well. He's proven that for two years."

Jennings' record stands at 19-7 as SMU's starting quarterback, including a win in his first start in the 2023 American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship game. He has thrown for 7,709 yards and 55 touchdowns, surpassing SMU's career records of 9,081 yards and 72 touchdowns. Last season, Jennings completed 66.1% of his passes (300 of 454), throwing for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns, with just 13 interceptions.

Additionally, he demonstrated his ability to run, having limited playing time last season due to a lingering ankle issue.

Several key players will be missing from the team this season, including the top two rushers and four of the top five receivers from last year. However, senior wide receiver Yamir Knight is returning with notable additions in freshman football veterans Jordyn Adams (pro baseball) and Yannick Smith (transferred from East Carolina).

Former SMU transfer RB Kendrick Raphael, who contributed 943 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, is also back after a standout performance in the Bears' 38-35 win over SMU in the regular-season finale. Receivers Yannick Smith (ECU) and Jalen Hale (Alabama) have also joined the team via the transfer portal. The addition of All-ACC safety Ahmaad Moses, who is expected to return from surgery, could significantly bolster the defense.

The rest of the roster includes defensive backs Jarvis Lee (transfer from USF), RB Kendrick Raphael (transfer from Cal), wide receiver Yannick Smith (transfer from East Carolina), cornerback Jayvon Thomas (Texas A&M), and linebacker Jimmy Wyrick (transfer from UTSA), as well as running backs TJ Harden, Jordan Hudson, Chris Johnson Jr. (transferred to Clemson), and tight end RJ Maryland.