Arkansas announced this week that KJ Jackson will take the first snap at quarterback for the 2026 campaign, effectively naming him the Razorbacks’ starter. The decision comes after a heated competition with incumbent AJ Hill, who had held the position in the previous season.
A New Era for the Razorbacks
Jackson arrives in Fayetteville with a résumé that includes five starts in the SEC during the 2025 season, where he completed 33 of 54 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns while adding 52 rushing yards and two scores. His performance earned him a four‑star rating out of high school and a commitment to Arkansas over rival programs.
The Razorbacks open their schedule on September 5 against North Alabama, a game that will serve as the first public test of Jackson’s readiness. Head coach Ryan Silverfield said the matchup against the Lions is being used as a springboard toward later contests with Utah and Georgia, both of which are expected to be pivotal for the team’s national aspirations.
Silverfield emphasized that he did not want the quarterback battle to spill over into the regular season, a stance echoed by Sam Pittman, whose recruiting efforts were instrumental in convincing Jackson to choose Arkansas over North Carolina. Pittman’s influence was cited as a decisive factor in the player’s decision.
AJ Hill, who transferred to Arkansas from Memphis, will remain on the roster as the backup quarterback. In his freshman year at Memphis he completed 19 of 32 passes for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Freshman Hank Hendrix is slated to be the third‑string quarterback during fall practices.
Jackson Fuller, a reporter for the USA TODAY Network covering Arkansas football, basketball and baseball, will provide daily updates throughout the season. His coverage can be followed on the Southwest Times Record’s sports section.