5. 2009 Ryan Mallett
Coming out of Texarkana, Texas, Ryan Mallett originally elected to play for Michigan under head coach Lloyd Carr. But after the 2007 season, Mallett decided to transfer from Michigan after Rich Rodriguez took over at the helm. Mallett sat out the 2008 season due to transfer rules, but immediately flourished under Bobby Petrino’s offense in 2009. Mallett accumulated 3,624 yards on the year, and threw 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He was known for giving his receivers chances to win one-on-one matchups against defensive backs. His huge arm also allowed the Razorbacks to stretch the field vertically, which opened up the run game. However, Mallett’s completion percentage was a pedestrian 55.8%, which keeps him lower on the list.
4. 2015 Brandon Allen
The Razorbacks struggled out of the gate in 2015, going 1-3 in their first four games. However, QB Brandon Allen, along with RB Alex Collins, helped carry Arkansas to a 7-2 finish. Allen played phenomenal down the stretch of the season. He put 442 yards and six touchdowns against Ole Miss. Against Mississippi State, he Allen accumulated 406 yards and seven touchdowns. Overall, Allen amassed 3,440 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, and led Arkansas to a Liberty Bowl win over Kansas State.
3. 2021 KJ Jefferson
After accumulating seven wins in the previous three seasons, Arkansas put up nine wins in 2021. A lot of this was due to the play of first-year starting QB KJ Jefferson. On the year, Jefferson had 2,676 yards passing, 664 yards rushing, 27 total TDs, and four interceptions. Jefferson’s running and ability to stretch the field with the deep ball made him perfect for Kendal Briles’ system. With Jefferson running the offense, Arkansas led the P5 in rushing last season. Next year, Jefferson will have even more on his plate after star WR Treylon Burks left school early.
2. 2011 Tyler Wilson
Many people anticipated Wilson would have a huge season in 2011. Wilson inherited many of the weapons that Mallett had for his 2009 and 2010 campaigns. Also, Hog fans got a sneak peak of Wilson against Auburn in 2010, and he went toe-to-toe with eventual Heisman winner and NFL MVP Cam Newton. Wilson delivered on the expectations placed on him. He threw for 3,638 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions on the year. Wilson was more mobile than his predecessor Mallett, and had the ability to make throws on the run and escape pressure. Mallett often could not escape pressure if the defense reached him. Wilson led the Hogs to their third eleven win season in school history. In the end, he helped the Razorbacks defeat Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl 29-16.
1. 2010 Ryan Mallett
Mallett followed his successful 2009 campaign with an even better 2010. Mallett improved his completion percentage by nearly 10%, completing 64.7% of his passes. Overall Mallett accumulated 3,869 yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His statistics are even more impressive when you consider he lost star WR Greg Childs for nearly half the season. While he did turn the ball over more, Mallett also led Arkansas to one of its best seasons in the 21st century. The Hogs won ten games and made an appearance in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State. Although they lost against OSU, the success the Hogs had in 2010 propelled them to greater success in 2011.
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