Jennings Named to Manning Award Stars of the Week List

 SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has been named one of the Manning Award Stars of the Week, the organization announced Monday.

The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, was created in 2004 to honor the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. It remains the only quarterback award that includes postseason performances in its evaluation. Since the Manning Award began recognizing “Stars of the Week” in 2011, 601 quarterbacks from 138 schools have earned the distinction. So far in 2025, 59 players have been honored.

Jennings received the recognition after guiding SMU to a 26-20 overtime victory over No. 10 Miami, marking the Mustangs’ first win over a top-10 opponent since 1983. He threw for a career-high 365 yards, completing 29 of 44 passes, including a 28-yard touchdown strike to Yamir Knight on a one-play drive.

Efficient and poised, Jennings has connected with at least seven receivers in every game this season. With his performance against Miami, he climbed to fifth all-time in SMU history in both career passing yards (6,552) and total offense (7,080).

The Texas native currently ranks among the nation’s elite, sitting 7th in FBS in passing yards (2,484), 10th in completions per game (23.33), and 12th in passing yards per game (276.0), all good for second in the ACC. Under his leadership, SMU’s passing offense is ranked 23rd nationally (277.0 yards per game).

Earlier this year, Jennings was named to several prestigious preseason watch lists, including the Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

Fans can follow the @ManningAward on social media to vote for the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week. Voting closes Wednesday at 9 a.m. (CT), with results announced shortly after.