Arkansas fans received a clear answer on the team’s offensive leader for the 2026 season when head coach Ryan Silverfield announced that redshirt sophomore KJ Jackson will start at quarterback. The decision was made after a competitive fall camp that saw Jackson out‑perform Memphis transfer AJ Hill, a rivalry that continued through spring practice and preseason preparations.
Coach Silverfield cites football awareness
Silverfield highlighted Jackson’s “situational football awareness” as the key factor that set him apart from his competition. The coach believes Jackson’s ability to read defenses and make quick adjustments will be essential as the Razorbacks look to improve their offensive production.
Jackson’s recent performance
Jackson saw limited action last season, appearing in five games. He completed 33 of 54 pass attempts for 441 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing 52 rushing yards and two scores on 11 carries. His first career start came in the season finale against Missouri, where he threw for 126 yards and a touchdown on 11 of 17 completions.
One of Jackson’s most notable recent outings was a bench appearance against No. 17 Texas, where he led Arkansas on two touchdown drives, finishing with 206 passing yards and accounting for both a passing and a rushing touchdown.
High school pedigree
Jackson arrived in Fayetteville as a four‑star recruit from Saint James School in Montgomery, Alabama. During his high‑school career he threw 130 touchdown passes, the third‑highest total in Alabama High School Athletic Association history, and guided Saint James to the Class 3A state championship in 2022.
Season opener ahead
The Razorbacks will open their 2026 campaign against North Alabama on Sept. 5, giving Jackson his first full‑time start. The game will provide an early test of the new quarterback’s ability to lead the offense under Silverfield’s system.
Arkansas supporters will be watching closely to see how Jackson’s blend of size—standing 6‑foot‑4 and weighing 225 pounds—and football IQ translates to consistent production throughout the season.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
