SMU Launches ‘K7NG OF DALLAS’ Heisman Campaign for Quarterback Kevin Jennings

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — SMU Athletics officially launched its “K7NG OF DALLAS” campaign Tuesday, making the case for senior quarterback Kevin Jennings to become the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner since Doak Walker claimed college football’s highest individual honor in 1948.

The campaign highlights Jennings’ impact on the Mustangs’ return to national prominence. A Dallas native and South Oak Cliff High School graduate, Jennings helped deliver the first football state championship by a Dallas ISD school since 1958 before continuing his career at SMU.

Entering the 2026 season, Jennings ranks among the nation’s top returning quarterbacks. He owns a 19-7 record as a starter, has thrown for 7,709 career yards and 55 touchdowns, and has accounted for 8,267 total offensive yards. Among returning Power Four quarterbacks, he ranks near the top nationally in career wins, passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense.

SMU also pointed to Jennings’ success since joining the ACC. He enters the season with a 14-2 record in conference starts, including victories over Miami, Clemson, Florida State and Louisville. He currently leads returning ACC quarterbacks in career passing yards, total offense, wins as a starter and winning percentage.

The Mustangs credited Jennings as a driving force behind the program’s recent resurgence, which includes SMU’s first AP Top 10 ranking since 1983, an ACC Championship Game appearance and a College Football Playoff berth during the program’s first season in a Power Four conference.

Jennings’ Heisman campaign begins on one of college football’s biggest stages when SMU opens the season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium on Labor Day night in a nationally televised ESPN matchup.

The setting carries added significance as Jennings begins his pursuit of the same trophy last won by SMU legend Doak Walker nearly eight decades ago.