Kevin Jennings will start as quarterback for his hometown team in the new 12-team College Football Playoff, a rare occurrence among the teams.
SMU’s Kevin Jennings is a standout as the only quarterback playing for his hometown team in the newly expanded College Football Playoff. Notably, he is among six quarterbacks who remain at the colleges where they began their careers. Jennings, along with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, represents a unique group of players competing from their original teams, with Klubnik facing Texas in their first-round clash.
In the realm of transfers, four quarterbacks are having their debut and potentially final season with their current teams. Among these, Kurtis Rourke of Indiana and Riley Leonard of Notre Dame will see action in the playoff’s opening game, highlighting the trend of one-year transfers making significant impacts. Meanwhile, SMU will face Penn State, where quarterback Drew Allar, a second-year starter, has committed to returning for another season—this matchup being the only one in the first round with both quarterbacks at their starting institutions.
Coach Rhett Lashlee of SMU recalls how Jennings wasn’t initially on his radar during a high school playoff game. However, Jennings’ performance was impressive, leading to him becoming an integral part of SMU’s lineup. Jennings’ commitment is further affirmed as he plans to return next season, following his rise after injuries to other quarterbacks last year.
As the playoffs progress, original-school quarterbacks will meet in the Fiesta Bowl, where SMU or Penn State will compete against Boise State. Similarly, the Sugar Bowl will feature Rourke or Leonard, indicating a dynamic post-season outlook. Furthermore, other quarterbacks like Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Ohio State’s Will Howard illustrate the varied paths players have taken to reach this stage in their careers.
Diverse pathways in college football highlight the blend of homegrown talent and strategic transfers. Jennings’ journey exemplifies a narrative of potential spotted and realized, set against a backdrop of competitive collegiate football playoffs.
As the College Football Playoff embarks on this new format, the spotlight on quarterbacks like Jennings underscores the dynamic and shifting landscape of college athletics, balancing loyalty and opportunity.
Source: Local10
