SMU's Rhett Lashlee rips CBS Sports analyst for omitting Kevin Jennings from top QB list

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SMU's Rhett Lashlee rips CBS Sports analyst for omitting Kevin Jennings from top QB list

SMU's Rhett Lashlee rips CBS Sports analyst for omitting Kevin Jennings from top QB list originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Rhett Lashlee felt one CBS Sports analyst wasn't being fair in his recent top quarterback list and let him know about it. 

The SMU coach took the opportunity to fire off at Danny Kanell this week after skipping Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings from his top 10 returning quarterbacks for 2026. During an interview with Kanell and Dusty Dvoracek on SiriusXM, Lashlee called out the former Florida State signal-caller.

“I got a bone to pick with you Danny, he’s not in your top 10,” Lashlee said about Jennings. “I thought you were a ball knower.”

Lashlee added that Jennings “carried us last year, especially on offense,” pointing to the leap the junior made in 2025. He threw for a career-high 3,641 yards with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 66.1% of his passes. He also added four rushing scores.

SMU missed a return trip to the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff, something Lashlee believes overshadowed Jennings’ production.

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“There’s a great QB class coming back next year, but there’s no list that starts without him in the top 10,” Lashlee said. “What he’s done for two years, what he’s capable of doing next year.”

Maybe this was the start of a rivalry. SMU opens 2026 against Florida State and will keep this same chip on their shoulders. Jennings has early opportunities to change the narrative and perhaps Kanell's mind about his quarterback rankings.

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