Kevin Jennings – SMU NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information: Comprehensive Update for 2025

Kevin Jennings has quickly carved out a reputation as the starting quarterback for the SMU Mustangs.

He’s not just making noise on the field—his growing presence in NIL deals and rising net worth have started to turn heads. Fans, recruiters, and college football folks are watching his every move these days.

Jennings grew up in Dallas and joined SMU without much hype, but he’s become a key piece for the program.

During his redshirt sophomore season, he threw for 3,245 yards and 23 touchdowns, earned a captain spot, and led SMU to a 9-2 record as a starter.

If you’re curious about his numbers, here’s a quick snapshot:

Season	Games Played	Passing Yards	Passing TDs	Rushing Yards	Rushing TDs
2024	14	3,245	23	354	5

As Jennings keeps building his profile, his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities just keep growing.

People are starting to notice his financial potential and value as a college athlete.

If you want a deeper dive into his achievements and ranking, check out this overview of Kevin Jennings’s NIL deals and player information.

Player Profile

Kevin Jennings stands out as a determined quarterback for the SMU Mustangs.

He’s got Texas roots and a competitive streak that’s hard to miss.

His skill set and steady development show both his early achievements and his current promise in college football.

Background and Early Life

Kevin Jennings grew up in Dallas, Texas.

He went to South Oak Cliff High School, a place with a serious football tradition.

Jennings helped lead South Oak Cliff to its first state title—a huge moment for Dallas ISD and a testament to his leadership.

Not many FBS schools offered him a spot after high school, but his persistence landed him at SMU.

At SMU, Jennings impressed coaches and teammates with how quickly he adapted and how hard he worked.

He barely played in his freshman year, but 2023 brought a big step up.

When Preston Stone got hurt, Jennings jumped in for his first college start during the AAC Championship Game.

He handled the pressure, played solid ball, and helped SMU beat Tulane 26-14.

That game really showed his poise and his ability to step up when his team needed him.

Physical Attributes

Jennings comes in at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 205 pounds.

He’s got a sturdy frame but still moves well, which lets him take hits and extend plays with his legs.

His athletic build helps him stay mobile in the pocket and avoid defenders.

Here are his main physical stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	6’1″
Weight	205 lbs
Throws	Right-handed

Jennings mixes solid athleticism with a pretty strong arm for the college level.

He’s not the tallest quarterback, but his tools fit SMU’s offense and add to his dual-threat game.

Position and Playing Style

Jennings runs the show at quarterback for the SMU Mustangs.

His style is steady and adaptable—key traits for any QB.

He’s a dual-threat quarterback, so he can make plays with his arm and his legs.

In his AAC Championship Game debut, Jennings piled up 266 total yards, mixing passing and rushing.

He stays calm in the pocket, escapes pressure, and can pick up yards or dodge sacks.

He’s reliable with short and mid-range throws, keeping the offense moving when it counts.

People know him for making quick decisions and staying cool when things get tense.

His journey from South Oak Cliff to SMU shaped a playing style that’s all about resilience and versatility, which is exactly what college football wants from its quarterbacks these days.

You can check out his stats and highlights on his ESPN player profile.

High School Career

Kevin Jennings made a serious mark on Dallas high school football.

He led South Oak Cliff to milestones that nobody really expected, and his play at quarterback turned heads all over.

South Oak Cliff High School

Jennings played quarterback at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas.

He ran the Golden Bears’ offense with confidence, showing off both his passing and running skills.

His time there lifted the team’s reputation in the area.

Jennings broke school records and brought much-needed consistency to the program.

He was a three-star recruit and got attention from colleges across Texas.

You can see more about his recruitment on wfaa.com.

2021 5A Division II State Championship

The 2021 season changed everything for South Oak Cliff and Jennings.

He led the team to the 5A Division II state championship, something Dallas ISD hadn’t seen in decades.

This win, the first for a Dallas ISD school since those legendary Dallas Carter teams, was a massive deal for the community.

Jennings threw and ran for multiple touchdowns during the playoffs, helping lock down the title.

The city and state recognized the win.

Jennings’ leadership in those high-pressure games became one of the big stories, showing how he delivered when it mattered most.

High School Football Accolades

Jennings’ high school career was packed with big numbers.

He finished with 5,932 passing yards and 71 touchdown passes, according to Wikipedia.

He also ran for over 550 yards and 8 touchdowns, proving he was a legit dual-threat.

Key High School Career Stats:

Stat	Total
Passing Yards	5,932
Passing Touchdowns	71
Rushing Yards	557
Rushing Touchdowns	8

Jennings earned all-district honors and was a clear leader for his team.

His mix of arm talent, smarts, and athleticism set him apart from other Dallas quarterbacks.

College Career at SMU

Kevin Jennings’ time at SMU has been all about resilience and growth under pressure.

He’s become one of the most talked-about Mustangs in recent years.

Commitment and Recruitment

Jennings starred at South Oak Cliff High School, leading them to a state title—the first for a Dallas ISD school in a long time.

Still, only SMU offered him a FBS scholarship.

The Mustangs saw something special, and Jennings decided to stay close to home.

His recruitment didn’t make much noise, but SMU coach Rhett Lashlee liked his leadership and arm.

Jennings enrolled in 2022, joining a class that aimed to boost SMU as they moved to the ACC.

He took a gamble on himself and SMU, and honestly, it’s worked out.

Development Under Coaching Staff

Jennings really started to develop under Rhett Lashlee and the SMU staff.

They focused on building his football IQ and sharpening his mechanics.

Lashlee’s offense, which moves fast and pushes the ball downfield, fit Jennings’ strengths.

As a redshirt freshman, Jennings got a few snaps and showed flashes.

By his redshirt sophomore season, he’d worked with the coaches to command the huddle and improve his reads.

Lashlee pushed accountability and consistency, and it clearly rubbed off.

Veteran players and coaches praised Jennings for his work ethic and poise.

His steady growth moved him up the SMU depth chart.

Performance in AAC Championship

Jennings stepped up in the 2023 AAC Championship Game against Tulane.

When Preston Stone went down, Jennings started his first college game in a high-pressure spot.

He totaled 266 yards and managed the game well.

SMU beat Tulane 26-14.

Coaches and analysts praised his ball security and decision-making.

That performance helped clinch the Mustangs’ title and showed he could deliver as a reliable playmaker in big moments.

The win pushed SMU into the national spotlight and set up momentum for their move into the ACC.

AAC Championship Game (2023) – Key Stats

Opponent	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Total TDs	Result
Tulane	266	N/A	N/A	26-14, Win

2025 Season Outlook

Jennings headed into 2025 after a season where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He led SMU to the College Football Playoff.

He announced his return to SMU on social media, showing his commitment to the program and keeping things steady for the Mustangs’ offense.

Now that SMU is in the ACC, Jennings stands out as one of the conference’s most experienced quarterbacks.

Preston Stone’s return gives the team depth, but Jennings’ 9-2 record as a starter in 2024 gives him a strong case to keep the job.

His leadership and the continuity of Lashlee’s offense give SMU a real shot at another conference title and maybe another playoff run.

For a guy who barely got recruited, Jennings has become impossible to overlook at SMU.

If you want more on his recent decision, check out this story on why Jennings affirmed his commitment to SMU.

NIL Deals and Endorsements

Kevin Jennings has built a strong presence on and off the field.

He’s landed some big partnerships and does community work that’s gotten attention beyond SMU.

Major NIL Partnerships

Jennings landed some solid NIL deals as SMU’s quarterback.

His biggest partnership came with Crest Auto Group, a dealership in Frisco, Texas.

It was their first agreement with a college athlete.

That deal boosted Jennings’ profile and helped his finances, showing how top athletes can benefit from the new college sports rules.

He’s also worked with local and regional brands in sports, apparel, and Dallas-area businesses.

These deals gave Jennings local fame and brought more media attention to both him and SMU.

Key NIL Partnership Details

Partner	Type of Deal	Location	Year
Crest Auto Group	Car dealership	Frisco, TX	2024
Various Local Brands	Endorsements / Social Media	Dallas, TX	2024-2025

These partnerships show how SMU’s spot in a big market like Dallas can really pay off.

Impact on SMU Program

Jennings’ NIL activity has put SMU’s football program on the radar, even in Texas where sports never take a break. He’s landed some impressive endorsement deals, and honestly, younger players have started looking up to him.

With all that visibility, Jennings managed to attract more potential recruits to the SMU Mustangs. Prospective athletes now realize they can cash in on NIL opportunities in Dallas, and that’s a pretty big deal when you’re competing with those massive programs.

Coaches and administrators talk about Jennings’ NIL experience all the time when they pitch SMU’s resources and location. NIL success stories have become a core part of SMU’s recruiting message.

Influence in the Dallas Community

Jennings has used his growing influence to support Dallas-area causes and youth groups. He’s out there at events with fans, teaming up with charities, and giving a boost to all sorts of local programs.

His efforts really helped tighten the connection between SMU and Dallas neighborhoods. Through NIL deals, Jennings has put a spotlight on Dallas businesses and given them some extra attention.

His partnerships often led to more support for youth football and extra outreach in parts of Dallas that need it most. By staying active around Dallas and on social media, Jennings became a name people know—even if they don’t watch football.

That kind of visibility and community outreach? It’s a great example of how college athletes can use NIL deals to make a difference right where they live.

Net Worth Analysis

Kevin Jennings’ net worth comes from his time as a college quarterback and the value of his NIL deals. His journey at SMU really shows how college athletes today can start building financial security before they ever go pro.

Sources of Income

Jennings relies on a few main sources of income: his athletic scholarship, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, and performance-based awards. The scholarship covers tuition and living expenses, so that’s a solid foundation.

NIL deals are where he sees the most growth. Those endorsement contracts and brand promotions have really changed the game for him. At SMU, Jennings has caught the eye of local businesses and college-focused companies, which is just part of this new NIL world.

He’s done social media promos, appearances, and branded content. Other money might come from team incentives like conference honors or bowl bonuses, but most of his financial progress comes from NIL deals and building his personal brand.

Estimated Career Earnings

Jennings’ estimated earnings mostly come from his NIL deals and the value of his scholarship. Nobody’s publishing the exact numbers, but top college quarterbacks often make anywhere from tens of thousands to low six figures per year with NIL. SMU athletes in the spotlight usually fall in that range.

Here’s a quick look at his likely net worth path:

Year	Scholarship Value	NIL Earnings (Est.)	Total Annual Earnings (Est.)
2023	$40,000	$35,000	$75,000
2024	$40,000	$50,000	$90,000
2025	$40,000	$60,000	$100,000

Of course, his net worth changes each year with taxes, living costs, and whatever he invests. If he keeps landing bigger NIL deals as his profile grows, those numbers could climb, especially considering the broader SMU football NIL scene.

Athletic Accomplishments

Kevin Jennings has made a name for himself with his dual-threat skills and leadership. His play has shaped SMU’s recent run in the American Athletic Conference, guiding the team through tough games with a mix of passing and rushing.

Career Statistics

Jennings showed a lot of consistency during the 2024 season. He played in all 14 games and started 11, which is no small feat.

He threw for 3,245 yards and racked up 23 passing touchdowns, putting him among the ACC’s top quarterbacks for both yards and TDs.

Here’s a quick stat summary from 2024:

Category	Value	ACC Rank
Games Played	14	–
Games Started	11	–
Passing Yards	3,245	4th
Passing Touchdowns	23	5th
Passing Efficiency*	171.5	1st (conf)

*In conference play only

He led the conference in efficiency with a 171.5 rating. Jennings also posted a 9-2 record as SMU’s starter, showing he could keep his cool and command the offense (see SMU Athletics for details).

Rushing Yards and Performance

Jennings has a strong arm, but he’s also dangerous on the ground. His athleticism lets him extend plays, pick up first downs, and find the end zone when it matters.

In 2024, he ran for 354 rushing yards and scored five rushing touchdowns, giving the SMU offense a real boost.

His running ability came up big in key games, especially conference matchups. Jennings’ mobility forced defenses to stay honest and opened up more options for his teammates.

That combination of passing and rushing made him a legit dual-threat QB in the AAC.

Awards and Honors

Jennings hasn’t picked up any major NCAA awards yet, but coaches and teammates respect his leadership and stats. In 2024, he got named team captain, which says a lot about his influence.

He stepped up in his first college start during the 2023 AAC Championship Game, putting up 266 total yards and helping SMU beat Tulane 26-14 (more on Wikipedia). National recognition hasn’t fully caught up, but the way things are going, that might change as his college career continues.

Team Dynamics and Competition

Kevin Jennings’ role with the SMU Mustangs has shifted quickly. His strong play, Preston Stone’s presence, and big changes from the transfer portal have all shaped the locker room and quarterback depth chart.

Role on the SMU Mustangs Roster

Jennings started the 2024 season as a redshirt sophomore with a lot on his shoulders. He played in every game, started 11, and served as captain.

His leadership showed up both on and off the field.

His 2024 stats really tell the story:

Stat	Value	ACC Rank
Passing Yards	3,245	4th
Passing Touchdowns	23	5th
Rushing Yards	354	—
Rushing Touchdowns	5	—
Passing Efficiency	171.5	1st (Conf)

Jennings’ steady production and calm presence gave SMU some much-needed stability as they adjusted to a new conference. His style—smart decisions and the ability to extend plays—fit what the coaches wanted after moving to the ACC.

Relationship with Preston Stone

Preston Stone, another talented QB, has pushed Jennings to get better. Their competition has kept both guys sharp.

They shared tips at practice and encouraged each other. Stone’s presence meant Jennings always had to be ready, knowing competition brought out his best.

Coaches mentioned how they challenged each other but still worked together for the team. That led to a supportive QB room, not one full of tension. Their strengths complemented each other, giving SMU more options on offense.

Transition After Transfer Portal Movements

The transfer portal really shook up the SMU quarterback room. When players entered or left, the fight for playing time got even tougher.

Jennings stayed committed to the program, and he said as much publicly when things got uncertain. His leadership role grew with all the departures.

Coaches valued his loyalty and helped him get used to new teammates from the portal. The transition made Jennings and the rest of the team adapt quickly to different styles and personalities.

Jennings responded by working to strengthen team chemistry and keep the offense steady. SMU’s ability to keep him through all that change showed both his character and the program’s focus on stability. That became even more important after a few seasons of constant turnover. For more about his decision to stick with SMU, check out this report on Jennings’ commitment.

Media Coverage and Recognition

Kevin Jennings has gotten more attention from national media and regional sports networks thanks to his play at SMU. His steady performance at quarterback and the team’s success have sparked a lot of coverage and discussion.

CBS Sports and National Attention

CBS Sports started paying more attention to Jennings after his breakout season. They’ve run features on his leadership, improvements as a passer, and how he handles pressure.

Broadcasters called out big moments, like his game-winning drives and how he manages the offense in crunch time.

Analysts compare his stats to other top QBs at big programs. During SMU’s College Football Playoff run, CBS hosted roundtables about his growth and how his NIL deals have changed. Graphics on-air have stacked his numbers up against other national stars, tracking things like yards and touchdowns.

2024 Key Statistics (as seen on broadcasts):

Category	Statistic
Passing Yards	3,000+
Touchdowns	22
Completion Rate	66%
Rushing Yards	330

CBS also aired interviews with Jennings, where he talked about why he stayed at SMU. His calm approach and thoughtful answers really stood out, and that just added to his reputation as a steady leader.

Coverage in the SEC and ACC

People in SEC and ACC media circles have really started to notice Jennings’ play and work ethic, especially since SMU switched conferences. Regional outlets now check in on Jennings’ performances every week, and they love to compare him with quarterbacks from the bigger SEC and ACC schools.

Some ACC-focused shows break down his games after big wins. They’ll throw up slow-motion clips, dive into tactics, and sometimes get pretty detailed. Analysts have pointed out how Jennings’ decision-making looks a lot like what you see from ACC veterans. They’ve noticed his pocket presence has improved, and he’s reading defenses better than ever.

The SEC media, who usually stick to their own teams, started paying attention after Jennings led SMU to the College Football Playoff. His steady play and strong stats sparked debates on SEC Network studio shows. They especially like to talk about his recruiting story and how NIL deals might’ve played a role. If you want more on Jennings’ journey and his numbers, check out Kevin Jennings’s player profile.

Jennings pops up all the time in online articles, podcasts, and social media posts from both conferences. All this attention has definitely raised his profile among college football fans, even outside Texas.