SMU QB Kevin Jennings on AP Poll Ranking, Revenge Tour, and College Football Playoff Push

Preseason AP Poll Reaction

• 🏈 Kevin Jennings reacts to SMU's No. 16 ranking in the preseason AP poll, believing the team should be ranked higher, ideally in the top 15 or top 10.
• 🎯 He emphasizes that the ranking is secondary to performance, stating that winning games will ultimately determine their position.

The "Revenge Season" Mentality

• 🏆 Jennings explains that 2025 is a "revenge season" due to not finishing strong in the championship and playoff games last year.
• 🚀 The team's mission is to return to that level, win the ACC championship, and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff, aiming for a national championship.

Reflecting on Last Season's Success

• ✅ SMU had a successful regular season last year, going undefeated in conference play, which serves as motivation for the upcoming season.
• 💡 The team's success validated their belief that they could compete against top programs, a mindset they carry into 2025.

Learning from Tough Losses

• 🧠 Jennings reflects on the Clemson game, where the team showed resilience by coming back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
• ⚠️ He learned the importance of smarter decision-making with the ball and not taking opportunities for granted after tough losses.
• 🎬 He spent time watching film of the Penn State game to identify and learn from mistakes, using them as fuel for the upcoming season.

Roots and Community Ties

• 🎓 Jennings draws on his experience winning a state title at South Oak Cliff, viewing pressure as a blessing and preparation.
• 🤝 He maintains strong ties to his high school community and coach, aiming to bring a winning culture to SMU.
• ❤️ Representing Dallas and his community is a significant source of pride, and he values staying close to family and friends.

Support System and Future Outlook

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His support system includes his younger siblings, dad, and mom, who motivate him to perform at his best.
• 🎶 Outside of football, he enjoys dressing up, playing games, and listening to music to decompress.
• 💰 He has made smart business decisions with his NIL earnings, focusing on investing and building rather than grand personal purchases, with a focus on supporting his family.