Kevin Jennings made headlines last season after leading SMU to an ACC Championship appearance and an inaugural College Football Playoff berth. With a strong stat line that included 3,245 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 9-2 record as a starter, Jennings has many believing he could be the key to a championship run in 2025-26.
However, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy cautions that while Jennings has undeniable talent, some mechanical flaws must be addressed for SMU to reach its full potential.
Kevin Jennings has the talent to lead SMU to a 2025-26 championship
McElroy praised Jennings’ ability to make plays, calling him a “baller” with an uncoachable gamer mentality. His performances against Virginia and Louisville, where he combined for over 600 passing and rushing yards, showcased the dynamic playmaking ability that separates him from many college quarterbacks.
Despite his relatively modest rushing background, Jennings’ 354 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns last season proved he can extend plays when necessary.
Yet, McElroy pointed out areas that could hinder Jennings’ growth if not corrected. One of the biggest concerns is Jennings’ footwork and pocket mechanics. As a 6’0″ quarterback, not the tallest by collegiate standards, Jennings sometimes overcompensates by dropping too deep during his initial setup.
McElroy explained that when Jennings sets up too far behind the line, he unnecessarily pressures his offensive line, making clean pockets more challenging to maintain.
“Instead of stepping up cleanly, he sometimes backs himself into trouble,” McElroy noted. “It’s not about size; it’s about mechanics. Fixing his drop and pocket movement will give him more time, allow better timing with receivers, and create bigger plays after the catch.”
Another concern McElroy highlighted was Jennings’ tendency for clustered mistakes. Although Jennings threw only 11 interceptions over the whole season, many came within a small window of about eight quarters of play, including in the loss to Penn State and during stretches of the ACC Championship.
McElroy views this as a typical learning curve for a first-year starter but emphasizes that limiting such mistakes is critical for SMU to secure a national title.
Despite the mechanical critiques, McElroy remains optimistic about Jennings’ ceiling. He believes that with a full offseason to clean up the fundamentals and a year of starting experience under his belt, Jennings could elevate into a top-five quarterback nationally.
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SMU fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. With Jennings’ natural ability, leadership as a team captain, and explosive playmaking skills, the Mustangs are poised for another historic season. If Jennings sharpens his footwork and decision-making under pressure, a 2025-26 championship could be within reach.
The foundation is there; now, it’s about refining the details. If Kevin Jennings can do that, SMU’s championship dreams may soon become a reality.
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