Kevin Jennings

Jennings broke onto the national scene last season after usurping presumed SMU starting quarterback Preston Stone early in the campaign. After Stone struggled early on for the Mustangs, Jennings was inserted in his place and was a full-fledged starter by the third game. The SMU staff banked on his upside, and it's easy to see why; he finished the season with 3,245 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 65.0 percent of his passes, adding 354 yards and five scores on the ground. Jennings is a legit dual-threat option with an excellent arm, and he figures to be one of the ACC's best quarterbacks in 2025 and a potential darkhorse Heisman contender if he continues to develop and flourish in offensive coordinator Casey Woods' scheme. Jennings will have to get used to some new pieces around him, as SMU loses its top running back (Brashard Smith) and receiver (Roderick Daniels). Still, the Mustangs return talented pass-catching tight ends RJ Maryland and Matthew Hibner, as well as their No. 3 receiver from last season, Jordan Hudson (39 catches , 422 yards, five scores). If Jennings can get acclimated to his new skill players quickly, this offense could be even more dangerous in 2025. Read Past Outlooks