The SMU Mustangs are 2-1 in the young college football season. Despite the winning record, a change is coming at quarterback.
After turning to Preston Stone to start the first three games, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee announced Tuesday that Kevin Jennings would be starting for the Mustangs from now on.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel relayed Lashlee’s message on Tuesday.
Some big ACC QB news: SMU coach Rhett Lashlee has named Kevin Jennings the starting QB. He replaces Preston Stone. Jennings started in the AAC title game win for SMU.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 10, 2024
Throughout camp, SMU had a quarterback battle between Stone and Jennings, which Stone won. However, both quarterbacks have appeared in each of the three games this season and have put up similar numbers, with Jennings going 29-for-51 for 342 yards and one touchdown to one interception. Stone has gone 25-for-43 for 336 yards and three touchdowns to one interception. Jennings has also added 92 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Stone started in SMU’s 18-15 loss to the BYU Cougars last week, but Jennings saw the bulk of the action, attempting 32 passes to Stone’s four.
The Mustangs are on a bye this week, but play their inaugural ACC game against the TCU Horned Frogs on September 21. If nothing else, Lashlee seemingly couldn’t commit to a quarterback, used the three nonconference games as a test run, and has decided Jennings gives the team a better chance to compete in the conference.