When his playing opportunities at SMU increased, Kevin Jennings capitalized on the moment.
The former South Oak Cliff star guided the Mustangs into their first College Football Playoff, throwing for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games during the 2024 season. As SMU enters its second season in the ACC, Jennings should be a key player to watch moving forward.
Here are 10 things to know about Jennings:
1. The basics
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-0
Hometown: Oak Cliff
High school: South Oak Cliff
2. Helped South Oak Cliff make history
Before his collegiate career began, Jennings etched his name in the Dallas ISD Athletics record books. The quarterback was key in helping South Oak Cliff win its first football state championship. Throwing for 144 yards and two touchdowns, Jennings was named offensive MVP of the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship game in 2021.
South Oak Cliff’s 23-14 win over Liberty Hill gave Dallas ISD its first state championship since 1958, when Booker T. Washington won in the Prairie View Interscholastic League.
“I just had to make a play for my team,” Jennings said. “They made plays for me the whole game, so, why not show up?”
3. The Silent Assassin
Thanks to his quiet and work-focused demeanor at South Oak Cliff, Jennings was nicknamed the “Silent Assassin.”
He wasn’t really one to seek the spotlight as a high schooler. That doesn’t mean he was afraid of stepping up in a big moment. Jennings earned his first two collegiate starts in last year’s AAC championship game and the Fenway Bowl.
Now, he’ll look to build off a strong start to the 2024 season.
“When I get on that football field, the noise goes out,” Jennings said in December 2023. “I don’t hear nothing. I’m just focused on the field, locked in. I’m not really worried about anything going on outside of the field.”
4. Waited for his moment
Jennings waited a long time for a Division I opportunity to reach his doorstep as a high schooler.
In November of his senior season at South Oak Cliff, Jennings received his first scholarship offer from Missouri State. An offer from SMU came a week before g day.
According to 247Sports, Jennings was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022. He ultimately reported five offers, choosing to stay close to home at the Hilltop.
5. How he impressed SMU’s Rhett Lashlee
Just days after accepting his first head coaching job at SMU, Lashlee saw Jennings in action as South Oak Cliff faced Lovejoy in a fourth-round playoff game.
But he wasn’t even there to watch Jennings.
Lashlee went to watch Lovejoy wide receiver Jaxson Lavender and cornerback Jayden Lawton, both of whom ultimately signed with SMU. But Jennings again led South Oak Cliff to victory and caught Lashlee’s attention.
“He just stood out,” Lashlee said. “You couldn’t miss him, just like I think that people that are starting to watch him play now in college, if they do watch him, they go, ‘Woah.’”
6. His uncle starred at Baylor and was an NFL draft pick
Jennings isn’t the only football star in the family. His uncle, Corey Coleman, was a standout at Baylor from 2013-15.
Coleman notably closed out his collegiate career with a productive 2015 season, catching 74 es for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns. That led to his selection as a unanimous All-American. He also won the Biletnikoff Award, being named the top receiver in college football.
The Cleveland Browns drafted Coleman, a Richardson Pearce product, in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
“The kid never shies away from work,” Coleman said of Jennings in 2021. “He always does what he’s supposed to.”
7. Earning accolades
Jennings earned some recognition for his solid 2024 season. The SMU quarterback was a third-team all-ACC selection and was named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award. The O’Brien Award is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate quarterback.
Before the 2025 season starts, ESPN has listed Jennings as a way-too-early contender for the Heisman Trophy.
8. Has an NIL partnership with a local auto dealership
In December 2024, Crest Auto Group announced an NIL partnership with Jennings. The Crest dealership group is located in Frisco. Through the NIL partnership, Jennings is serving as a brand ambassador for Crest Auto Group.
“I’m honored to partner with Crest Auto Group in their first collegiate sponsorship,” Jennings said in a news release. “They embody the highest level of customer service, excellence and impact the communities they serve from within. These values align perfectly with my goals both on and off the field making this partnership a perfect fit!”
9. Received praise from one of college football’s greats
As Jennings found his rhythm during the 2024 season, multiple analysts offered praise for the South Oak Cliff product. Nick Saban was among those impressed by Jennings’ playmaking ability.
“I think they’re going to get challenged today because SMU’s quarterback, Kevin Jennings, may be the most underrated player in the country,” Saban said before SMU faced Pitt. “This guy leads the ACC in ing efficiency. All these good quarterbacks we talk about in the ACC, he’s been the most productive and he’s a dual-threat guy. He can beat you run and .”
10. Dual-threat standout, by the numbers
Jennings can punish defenses with his arm and his legs. In 26 appearances at SMU, the signal caller has thrown for 4,068 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
As a rusher, he has compiled 504 yards and six touchdowns on 143 carries.