Rhett Lashlee expresses confidence in both Preston Stone, Kevin Jennings after naming SMU's starter

On Tuesday, SMU named Preston Stone as their starting quarterback with Kevin Jenning still set to see action as the reserve at the position. Both are quality options for the Mustangs, though, according to Rhett Lashlee.

Lashlee spoke about the decision between their pair of quarterbacks during a media availability earlier today. He said each of the two players did exactly what they needed to do within the competition over the course of fall camp to earn consideration for the job at SMU.

“You know, they both were comfortable with what we’re doing. I think they both got better as camp went on,” Lashlee assessed. “First couple days, you could tell, especially for Preston, some rust. But I think, as the camp went on, they both got better, you know. They didn’t stay the same. That’s what you look for.

“They both moved offense. Both times when we, you know, had live-action or scrimmage or moved the ball action, they moved the offense. They both put the ball in the end zone. You know, overall, both did a good job of valuing the football. There was some days that it wasn’t as good as others,” continued Lashlee. “I just think that they both showed that they’re what they should be after two years for both of them and comfortable in what we’re doing.”

Stone, SMU’s QB1 to open 2023 and now 2024, has appeared in 21 games, including 13 starts with a dozen from last season, through three years so far in Dallas. In that career there, he has completed 59.4% of his passes for 3,609 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Most of that came as this past season’s starter with 3,197 yards, 28 scores, and six picks.

As for Jennings, he’s entering his third season after playing in a dozen games, including a pair of starts last year, through two years as a Mustang. In his opportunities, he has completed 61.4% of his throws for 823 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. The two starts were in place of Stone after breaking his lower leg in the regular-season finale. That left Jennings to lead them to an AAC Championship win and in their outing in the Fenway Bowl. During those game, he combined for passing stats of 394 yards and two touchdowns and interceptions apiece on 53.8% completion. He also rushed for an additional 114 yards in those games.

Now, over the offseason, both Stone and Jennings have been competing to be the starter again for SMU. That went on throughout the spring, over media days, and into the fall. That was before the final decision between them came this morning. With that, Stone will start against Nevada this weekend while Jennings will also get his chances in the opener.

Stone and Jennings are each captains on this team for a reason with how they’re viewed by the Mustangs. Still, with the depth chart set at quarterback, it’s about finding a way to utilize both how they can with there being a lot of faith in either of them at SMU.

“Now we’ve just to get them in the game and let them play,” said Lashlee. “Obviously, Preston has more game experience than Kevin but the game experience that Kevin got at the end of the year last year was pretty invaluable.

“Our coaching staff and team believes that, honestly, whichever one is in there, we should be moving the football and that’s our expectation.”