Sep 102 min read

Kevin Jennings Named Permanent Starting Quarterback for SMU

A surprise in Dallas? SMU Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee is changing starting quarterbacks. Preston Stone was the starter for the past two games, but now Kevin Jennings will get his shot. Jennings will now be the starter for the Mustangs (2-1) moving forward, according to Lashlee.

Stone's Struggles

Stone has struggled mightily throughout the first few games of the Mustangs' 2024 season. Through three games, Stone has completed 25-of-43 passes for 336 yards and has 3 touchdowns to go along with 1 interception.

But the game against BYU (2-0) on Sept. 6., showcased his struggles. Against the Cougars, he completed 2-of-4 passes for 4 yards, to go along with being sacked 3 times, and being replaced by Jennings the rest of the game.

The falloff for Stone after the season that he had in 2023 is quite stunning. In 2023 he put up spectacular numbers that included 28 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions.

Now Is the Time for Jennings

Now being named the starter for the Mustangs, Jennings must take advantage of the opportunity to solidify his spot as the starter.

Jennings was at the head of the offense last season when the Mustangs won the American Athletic Conference title game, and if SMU hopes to have any chance of competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference this year, Jennings must perform well.

So far this season Jennings has not put up the most eye-opening statlines, but the offense has performed best with him under center and the Mustangs have been able to move the ball down the field.

Jennings had his best game of the season in on Aug. 31. against Houston Christian, where he completed 10-of-14 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. For the season, the sophomore is 29-of-51 passing for 342 yards and a touchdown and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry when rushing the ball.

Now is Jennings' golden opportunity to keep his spot as the starter and make sure coach Lashlee made the right choice in switching to him.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs throughout the season to see if Jennings does in fact prove coach Lashlee correct.