KJ Jackson shows he may be Arkansas' QB of the future in loss to Texas

Green, who is widely revered as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, was promptly pulled by Petrino in favor of redshirt freshman and former four-star prospect KJ Jackson. 

Green had 19 touchdowns to 10 interceptions going into Saturday's game with over 2500 passing yards, but threw two interceptions and no touchdowns in a 23-22 loss to LSU on Nov. 15. Green also threw three fourth-quarter interceptions in a 33-24 loss to Auburn on Oct. 25 and has been plagued by inconsistent play in the second half throughout the season. 

Jackson threw a touchdown in Arkansas' season-opening win over Alabama A&M and went 3-of-3 for 70 yards in the Razorbacks' victory over Arkansas State. 

Green finished Saturday's game 10-of-20, passing for 119 yards and an interception, adding 56 yards and a score on the ground. 

Jackson finished the game 16-of-29, throwing for 206 yards and a touchdown. While he did surrender the football on a fumble that turned into a defensive touchdown for Texas, he redeemed himself on Arkansas' next possession, leading the Hogs down the field and breaking tackles to score on a rushing touchdown. 

KJ Jackson could be Arkansas' QB of the future

Given that Jackson could be the long-term future for Arkansas at the quarterback position, it will be interesting to see whether or not Petrino opts to start Green in the final game of Green's collegiate career against Missouri on Nov. 29. 

Green has been a versatile QB for the Razorbacks over the past two seasons, but it might be time for a 2-9 team to start looking towards the future, even if that means sitting their senior quarterback on Senior Day in northwest Arkansas. 

While the young Jackson could certainly end up being the Hogs' starter next season, it's not a guarantee that he even stays at the University of Arkansas. With a new head coach coming to Fayetteville and the future of former offensive coordinator and current interim Petrino unknown, Jackson's career path may take a similar turn to that of former Arkansas QB Malachi Singleton. 

Singleton backed up Green at Arkansas in 2024 before transferring to Purdue to play for former Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom. 

Of the quarterbacks currently on the roster, Jackson is certainly the frontrunner for the starting role in 2026. But if a new head coach or offensive coordinator brings in a signal-caller from the transfer portal, Jackson may be forced to battle for the job.