SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings is facing criticism after a disastrous performance against No. 13 Wake Forest, with the Mustangs trailing 35-0 late in the first half. Jennings has struggled to move the ball, completing just 7 of 12 passes for 40 yards and throwing an interception.

He has also been ineffective on the ground, recording five carries for minus-13 yards. The performance comes at a particularly bad time for SMU, which entered the matchup with its College Football Playoff hopes still alive.

The Mustangs’ clearest route to the 12-team playoff was winning the ACC Championship, while a loss would make their path much harder. They also have a crucial road game against Notre Dame on November 21, followed by Stanford.

With so much at stake, Jennings’ struggles against Wake Forest have been costly.

“Jennings is awful in big games,” a fan wrote.

“Kevin Jennings is having a Bad Kevin Jennings first quarter. INT, big sack, nearly a second INT. Wake leads 14-0 after one quarter,” The Athletic’s Chris Vannini wrote.

“Kevin Jennings has lost his mind, and not in any positive manner. You can feel the desperation and importance of this game to SMU. Only shot at an ACC Championship Game berth hinges on beating Wake Forest,” a fan wrote.

“Senior Day at home. Biggest game of their season. Didn’t think Jennings would lay an egg with how good he’s been in his career at SMU. Just doesn’t look comfortable and is having a really bad game. He’s such a good player too,” a fan wrote.

“Kevin Jennings when there’s a chance to throw a back-breaking interception,” a fan wrote.

“The Kevin Jennings/SMU big game experience is going as scripted,” a fan wrote.

After throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns against Virginia Tech last week, he has been unable to provide the same spark against the Demon Deacons. His performance has left SMU in a difficult position.

SMU Head Coach on Supporting Kevin Jennings

During a conversation with Eric Mac Lain of the ACC Network, head coach Rhett Lashlee was asked about Jennings and what he means to the program and to him personally.

“Probably not in the short amount of time without getting emotional,” Lashleesaid, wearing Jennings’ hoodie. “We love our players, man, and we just want them to know that we have their backs and we’re proud of them, not just today but for the rest of their lives.”

Kevin Jennings celebrated his senior night ahead of the Wake Forest game. The quarterback joined the program in 2022 and has created a legacy. In 2025, he posted his career-best numbers, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns.